The agenda of Mr. Katsu’s visit included meetings with Mr. RustamAzimov, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Mr. Faizullo Mullajonov, Chairman of Central Bank, World Bank Governor for Uzbekistan as well as other high ranking government officials representing key ministries. The discussions covered reform progress, support to the Welfare Improvement Strategy (WIS) adopted by the government and the World Bank’s planned future support as proposed in the draft 2008 Country Assistance Strategy.

During his meetings with Uzbekistan officials Mr. Katsu discussed how the Bank can most effectively help Uzbekistan achieve its objectives of successful economic reforms.Mr. Katsu also met with the representatives of the donor community, civil society and mass media.

"I am pleased to note that since my last visit in April 2006, Uzbekistan has been intensively working on elaborating the Welfare Improvement Strategy, which is now under implementation," said Shigeo Katsu, Vice President for Europe and Central Asia. "The Bank’s new assistance program that is currently being developed will be focused on supporting WIS in such areas as sustaining high rates of growth and poverty reduction;strengthening human development and improving quality of life; environmental and land management and global public goods provision. The Bank will continue making investments that have direct impact on income and quality of life of Uzbek citizens, support deepening of sectoral reforms and address global public goods and climate change issues."

Mr. Katsu also met a group of young people gathered in the World Bank country office. The discussion focused on how the Bank could further support youth initiatives and build on positive experience gained through events implemented by the country office and youth organizations of Uzbekistan. The Vice President also launched a small photo exhibition in the Public Information Center (PIC) entitled "Agriculture for Development", which highlights the impact of World Bank projects in rural areas.

Uzbekistan joined the World Bank in 1992. The World Bank’s mission in the country is to improve people’s livelihoods through being a partner in economic reforms, supporting the modernization of the country’s social sectors and infrastructure, and sharing its knowledge and experience with the government and the people of Uzbekistan.

Total World Bank commitments to Uzbekistan amount to US$654 million.