The purpose of the first visit of the Regional Director to Uzbekistan since the appointment is to meet with the Government officials and other counterparts to discuss the progress in the Bank’s engagement since the approval of the Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) in June 2007 and recommendations going forward, as well as implementation of ongoing investment projects, the World Bank Country Office in Uzbekistan said in a statement on 26 February.

Mr. Konishi, a Japanese national, joined the Bank in 1981 as a Young Professional. He has since held various positions at the World Bank, with his most recent assignment being Sector Manager for Transport in the Sustainable Development Department of the Europe and Central Asia Region. During his Bank career Mr. Konishi has been directly involved in a number of World Bank projects in water supply and sanitation and transport sectors in the countries of Central Asia. He possesses extensive regional experience in North America, East Asia, Eastern & Southern Africa, Africa, East Asia and the Pacific.

In his new capacity, Mr. Konishi’s top priorities are to: (i) provide strategic direction to the Bank’s work in Central Asian countries in support of their reform priorities and enhanced regional cooperation in key sectors such as water management and trade; and (ii) lead the Bank’s country teams with a focus on effective results.

"The world economy is facing a serious crisis that cannot but have some impact on Uzbekistan. However, Uzbekistan entered this crisis with many strengths, in particular a very favorable macroeconomic situation. Furthermore, the authorities have been carefully analyzing all regional and international developments and have been very proactive in defining policy responses to minimize the effect of the crisis on businesses and the population. Indeed, low debt, high reserves and untapped productivity enhancement opportunities through further reforms gives space for effective anti-crisis action. In this difficult context, it is important to preserve the past achievements of the country and give attention to the vulnerable groups of the population and the World Bank stands ready to expand its engagement in specific areas of Government interest both in making investments and in providing intellectual support and global knowledge, as may be requested by the authorities", said Mr. Konishi.

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$722 million.