Uzbekistan and World Bank discuss attracting investment

Uzbekistan and the World Bank Group discussed prospects for economic growth, attracting private investment and creating new jobs. The talks took place on 16 October in Bangkok, where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov met World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, according to the Information Service and Communications Department of Uzbekistan's Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Other participants included World Bank Managing Director for Operations Anna Bjerde, IFC Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Central Asia Imad Fakhoury, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan Nodirbek Ochilov, and ministry adviser Jasur Karshibaev. The sides reviewed macroeconomic trends in Uzbekistan, the progress of ongoing reforms and opportunities to expand cooperation with the World Bank Group.

Key areas included infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare and tourism, and increasing production of goods with high added value. The parties also discussed the AgriConnect initiative, aimed at agricultural development, and the Water Compact programme, which seeks to improve water resource management. The sides agreed to continue cooperation and expand initiatives in these areas.