President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Haruhiko Kuroda on 31 October, UzA reported.

At the meeting in Oqsaroy residence, the sides discussed relations between Uzbekistan and the ADB, as well as implementation and possible development of new joint projects.

The ADB is one of Uzbekistan’s reliable and active partners. The bank occupies the first place among international financial structures in financing projects in Uzbekistan.

Since 1995, when Uzbekistan joined the financial institution, the ADB has issued credits worth US$875.6 million to the country.

The credits were used for implementation of 21 projects of strategic importance in transport infrastructure, energy, agriculture, small business, education and other fields.

Besides, the bank has provided 62 technical assistance grants for the total sum of US$32 million.

16 credit projects worth US$510.7 million are currently being planned in the framework of the new three-year Financial Cooperation Program. The projects are aimed at improvement of drinking water supply and meliorate condition of lands, equipment of schools and introduction of ICT in education, modernization of transport infrastructure and supporting small business.

The ADB attaches great importance to continuing and development of cooperation with Uzbekistan, Haruhiko Kuroda said at the meeting with Islam Karimov.