Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 2 June this year, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Tanzila Narbayeva received a delegation led by World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Antonella Bassani.

It should be noted that strategic cooperation has been established between Uzbekistan and the World Bank and, with the support of the Bank, a number of projects have been implemented to modernize energy, irrigation and utility networks, develop transport and social infrastructure, and process agricultural products.

Last year, the board of directors of this prestigious international financial institution approved a program of cooperation with our country for 2022-2026.

During the meeting, the main areas of cooperation were discussed, including the issues of increasing inclusive employment in the private sector, developing human capital, increasing prosperity through green economic growth and ensuring sustainable development.

During the conversation, the Chairperson of the Senate emphasized that at present, the joint search for solutions to the issue of poverty reduction based on modern approaches and their consistent implementation is becoming relevant. In this regard, the importance of the Bank’s assistance in attracting investments to the private sector and business entities, which are drivers of creating new jobs and increasing household incomes, was noted. It was also emphasized that the active participation of the World Bank in defining new tasks of inclusive policy in Uzbekistan through the implementation of measures in the field of inclusive education and support for citizens with disabilities.

Antonella Bassani expressed gratitude for the sincere conversation and noted that the World Bank is interested in determining future priorities for cooperation with and expanding relations with Uzbekistan. Focusing on the efforts of Uzbekistan and the results to eliminate child and forced labor, she also noted that these efforts continue within the framework of decent work standards, emphasizing that the World Bank will continue to support Uzbekistan in this direction. “Undoubtedly, a lot of work is being done to ensure gender equality and all-round support for women, and we will strengthen our joint work in this direction,” A. Bassani said.

During the conversation, attention was also paid to intersectoral areas that provide an opportunity for the socio-economic development of Uzbekistan. In particular, an exchange of views took place on issues of ensuring gender equality, enhancing the participation of citizens in the process of making political decisions, and strengthening the accountability of state bodies to the public.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached on the further expansion of projects implemented within the framework of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the World Bank in various fields.