Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- From 15 to 22 July 2024, Uzbekistan was visited by Mr. Adrian Fozzard, Head of the Global Practice on Public Sector at the World Bank for the Europe and Central Asia region.

During the visit, the results of the institutional assessment of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and reforms in public administration were discussed.

A meeting was held with the First Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, Ilkhom Norkulov, Deputy Minister Jasur Karshibaev, and representatives of the World Bank. Key issues discussed included the results of the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessment and support for the new Public Financial Management (PFM) strategy for 2025-2030.

The parties also discussed potential World Bank financing for reforms in PFM and human resource management aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening local governance. They agreed to continue working with the MEF and the Agency for the Development of the State Service (ARGOS) to support the development of a harmonized salary structure in the public sector.

During the mission, meetings were held with responsible specialists from the ministry's sectoral departments, focusing on the progress of the strategic modernization plan and the full automation of financial management.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance expressed interest in discussing the World Bank's recommendations on institutional reform and the possibility of prioritizing and sequentially implementing them in the context of developing the PFM strategy for 2025-2030.

The visit program included working sessions and meetings with key representatives of ministries and departments of the Republic of Uzbekistan aimed at strengthening cooperation and further developing public administration and tax policy reforms.