Uzbekistan, ADB Deepen Cooperation for Growth

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In recent years, Uzbekistan’s mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign countries and major international financial institutions has been reflected in the effective implementation of economic reforms, particularly through the financing of projects in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other sectors.

One of these key institutions is the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Uzbekistan joined the organization in 1995. Over more than 30 years of cooperation, the ADB has provided approximately US$14.6 billion to Uzbekistan through around 300 loans, grants, and technical assistance projects in the public sector.

In recent years, intensified engagement between Uzbekistan and the ADB has elevated bilateral cooperation to a new level, as evidenced by the implementation of a number of strategically important projects.

These include the electrification of the Pap–Namangan–Andijan and Bukhara–Miskin–Urgench–Khiva railway lines, improvements in water supply in Tashkent region, development of agriculture and rural areas, enhancement of healthcare quality and primary medical services, reform of the energy sector, construction of the Zarafshan wind power plant, development of the financial market and small business, as well as projects in the green economy and other areas. These initiatives have had a positive impact on ensuring the country’s sustainable development.

The ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy for 2024–2028 предусматривает реализацию ряда приоритетных проектов в Узбекистане в ближайшей перспективе.

In particular, plans include financing solar power plants in Samarkand and Navoi regions, developing sanitation services and digitalizing the water sector in Jizzakh, improving transport safety, strengthening коммунальных систем and urban economies, reforming the banking and financial sector, and implementing projects in youth education, among other areas.

The ADB’s high assessment of Uzbekistan’s economic reforms and macroeconomic achievements in recent years has also served as a basis for the planned hosting of the 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank in Samarkand.

The event is expected to bring together leaders of banking and financial institutions from 69 ADB member countries, as well as representatives of international organizations. One of the key agenda items will be addressing development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and identifying solutions.

International experts have repeatedly noted that holding the event in Samarkand will provide an important opportunity not only for Uzbekistan and the ADB, but also for expanding and strengthening cooperation between Central Asian countries and the Bank.

According to experts, this is reflected in several aspects. First, relations between Uzbekistan and the ADB are acquiring strategic importance. Particularly amid growing global tensions and conflicts, such cooperation is becoming increasingly significant. In this context, hosting the event in Samarkand will contribute to sustainable and economically oriented cooperation between Uzbekistan, Central Asia, and the ADB.

Second, cooperation between countries in the region and the ADB in promoting the green economy, developing transport and logistics systems, expanding the use of digital technologies, and implementing new projects for the extraction and processing of rare and valuable natural resources creates a foundation for broader collaboration in ensuring macroeconomic stability.

Overall, mutually beneficial cooperation between Uzbekistan and international organizations enhances the country’s global standing, strengthens public confidence in economic reforms, and opens new prospects for development.

Nodirbek Rasulov, Project Manager at IMRS, Doctor of Economics, Professor