Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Ozoda Juraeva, Deputy Minister of Housing and Communal Services, with Muhammad Azim Khoshimi, Head of the Market Development and Public–Private Partnership Division of the Asian Development Bank.

The talks focused on reforms in the utilities sector, with particular emphasis on the development of water supply and sanitation systems. It was noted that thanks to government efforts, the level of centralized access to drinking water has reached 81%. However, wastewater services remain underdeveloped, with coverage at just 20%. The Ministry stressed that expanding public–private partnerships in this sector is a top priority.

Special attention was given to projects involving the transfer of Namangan’s municipal sewage system to public–private management, as well as the drafting of regulatory frameworks to support the growth of such partnerships.

Muhammad Azim Khoshimi expressed his satisfaction with the Asian Development Bank’s involvement in projects aimed at improving water supply in Uzbekistan. Both parties agreed to continue joint efforts to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.