On April 10, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation led by Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank Group.

The meeting focused on further developing the broad strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the World Bank, particularly on supporting this global financial institutionʼs implementation of the countryʼs economic reform strategy.

At the beginning of the meeting, Anna Bjerde conveyed greetings and best wishes from World Bank President Ajay Banga to President Mirziyoyev.

It was noted with satisfaction that bilateral cooperation has reached a new level in recent years, yielding significant results. Uzbekistan is one of the World Bankʼs largest partners, with a project portfolio exceeding $12 billion.

The World Bank is providing financial, advisory, and technical assistance to support reforms aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of key economic sectors and the social sphere. With the Bankʼs support, the mechanism for projects involving international financial institutions has been improved, and a new procedure has been introduced to accelerate project preparation and improve quality.

Priority areas for future cooperation include poverty reduction—particularly through job creation for women and youth in the tourism sector—support for private sector development and public-private partnerships, as well as the transformation and privatization of state-owned enterprises.

Particular attention was also given to joint plans for reducing carbon emissions, modernizing urban infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, enhancing the investment climate, and supporting Uzbekistanʼs accession to the World Trade Organization.

The parties also exchanged views on advancing major regional projects.