Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 30 September, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoev held a meeting with Antonella Bassani, Vice President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia.

The main topic of discussion was the further deepening of strategic partnership with the World Bank Group and the continuation of support for the reform program being implemented under the New Uzbekistan initiative.

At the beginning of the meeting, Antonella Bassani conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to President Shavkat Mirziyoev on behalf of World Bank President Ajay Banga.

During the meeting, the high level of bilateral cooperation was noted with satisfaction. In recent years, Uzbekistan has become one of the largest partners of the World Bank, with the volume of joint projects increasing several times, surpassing the mark of US$12 billion.

The World Bank continues to provide significant support for key reforms aimed at strengthening the resilience of the economy and social sectors. Since July 2024, a regional office of the World Bank has been operating in Tashkent, marking an important step in the development of cooperation.

The main areas for further collaboration were identified as combating poverty, reforming state-owned enterprises and the banking system, decarbonization, and facilitating Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO.

Particular attention was paid to projects on urbanization, comprehensive regional development, modernization of energy and irrigation infrastructure, and support for the private sector.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on the implementation of regional initiatives.