Uzbekistan and ADB discuss next phase of cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A high-level meeting was held in Samarkand between Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev and Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda ahead of the 59th Annual Meeting of the Bank’s Board of Governors.

The talks took place on the eve of a major international forum, which the Uzbek side said carries particular importance for strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the ADB.

Khodjaev noted that the ADB’s Annual Meeting is returning to Uzbekistan 16 years after it was last held in the country, now taking place in the context of the “New Uzbekistan.” According to him, this reflects large-scale transformations carried out in recent years and the growing role of the region in the global economic agenda.

During the meeting, the sides reviewed the current state and future prospects of cooperation, which has already exceeded US$15.7 billion. These funds have been directed to a wide range of projects across the country, including the construction and modernization of 4,600 kilometers of railways, rehabilitation of 700 kilometers of highways, upgrading of more than 1,000 kilometers of water supply and sewage systems, and the construction and modernization of over 1,000 educational institutions.

Uzbekistan was described as the largest recipient of ADB resources in Central Asia and among the top ten countries globally in terms of the Bank’s operations. This status, it was noted, reflects strong confidence in the country’s reform agenda and investment programs.

The two sides placed special emphasis on the next stage of cooperation. Khodjaev underlined the importance of shifting toward a more practical and technology-oriented partnership, including digitalization, innovation, and initiatives in artificial intelligence. They also discussed support for small and medium-sized enterprises, the private sector, women’s and youth entrepreneurship, as well as expanding opportunities in inclusive education and regional connectivity.

In a post on X, ADB President Masato Kanda confirmed the meeting at the start of the Bank’s 59th Annual Meeting, expressing appreciation for Uzbekistan’s hosting of the event amid global uncertainty. He said the discussions focused on transforming current challenges into new development opportunities.

Kanda reaffirmed the ADB’s long-term commitment to supporting Uzbekistan, with particular emphasis on small and medium-sized businesses, expanding economic opportunities for women, and empowering youth.

At the conclusion of the talks, Khodjaev expressed confidence that the upcoming ADB Annual Meeting in Samarkand would serve as an important international platform and provide additional momentum to the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank.