BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Uzbekistan and
the World Bank discussed ways to sustain economic growth,
strengthen private-sector activity and create new sources of growth
during a meeting held as part of the World Bank’s New Growth and
Jobs Program Mission in Uzbekistan on Sept 24.
This was reflected in the statement by the Ministry of Economy
and Finance, following a meeting between Uzbek Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov and
a World Bank delegation that included Naji Benhassine, World Bank
regional director for Central Asia; Abebe Adugna, regional director
for prosperity in the Europe and Central Asia region; and Neil
McKain, regional manager of the International Finance Corporation
for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
The sides discussed prospects for taking Uzbekistan’s economy to
a new stage of development while maintaining high economic growth
and identifying new drivers of economic activity.
Particular attention was given to supporting ongoing economic
reforms, strengthening private-sector activity, promoting
investment and creating conditions for more and better-quality
jobs.
“The continued development of the private sector, investment
activity and the creation of quality jobs are among the key areas
for strengthening the foundations of sustainable economic growth,”
the Uzbek Ministry of Economy and Finance said.
The participants also exchanged views on increasing the
potential of economic sectors, improving the business environment
and strengthening the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s economy.
The discussions also covered opportunities to expand
Uzbekistan’s participation in global value chains and identify new
areas for cooperation with the World Bank and its institutions.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain constructive
dialogue, support ongoing economic reforms and expand cooperation
in identifying opportunities for Uzbekistan’s long-term,
sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
