President Mirziyoyev receives World Bank Vice President 

On September 30, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, held a meeting with Antonella Bassani, Vice President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia. The discussion focused on strengthening strategic cooperation with the World Bank Group and supporting Uzbekistan's ongoing reform initiatives, as reported by the President's press service.

At the outset, Bassani conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of World Bank President Ajay Banga to President Mirziyoyev. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations, noting that cooperation between Uzbekistan and the World Bank has reached new heights and continues to be highly effective.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has become one of the World Bank's largest partners, with the project portfolio expanding significantly, now exceeding $12 billion. The World Bank plays a key role in supporting crucial reforms aimed at stabilizing Uzbekistan's economy and enhancing its social sector. Additionally, the World Bank's regional representative office in Tashkent, which began operations in July 2023, is further facilitating this partnership.

"Key priorities for future cooperation include poverty reduction, the transformation of state-owned enterprises and banks, decarbonization efforts, and support for Uzbekistan’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The meeting also highlighted the importance of comprehensive regional development, urbanization, and the modernization of energy and irrigation infrastructure," the report states.

Special attention was given to encouraging private sector growth and promoting regional projects.