BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 16. Uzbekistan and
the World Bank discussed measures to boost economic growth, create
jobs, increase labor productivity and attract private investment
during a meeting in Bangkok on October 15.


This was reflected in the statement by Uzbekistan's Ministry of
Economy and Finance, following a meeting between Uzbekistan’s
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid
Kuchkarov and World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia
Antonella Bassani on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.


The discussions focused on economic and financial trends in
Uzbekistan, ongoing reforms and priority areas for cooperation in
support of the country’s development objectives.


Particular attention was given to the New Growth Program for
Jobs, which aims to accelerate economic growth, generate employment
and improve living standards.


The parties discussed ways to increase labor productivity,
develop human capital and professional skills, expand exports of
higher value-added products and encourage private investment.







Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was
another key topic, including initiatives to promote women’s
entrepreneurship and youth-led startups.


Additionally, the meeting covered pension system reform, the
development of effective pension fund management mechanisms and
efforts to strengthen the legal framework governing private and
corporate pension funds.


The meeting was attended by World Bank Director for Strategy and
Operations Sajjad Shah, Regional Director for Infrastructure
Charles Cormier, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan
Nodirbek Ochilov, Adviser to the Minister of Economy and Finance
Jasur Karshibayev and other officials.


The parties agreed to continue developing mutually beneficial
cooperation and pursue coordinated efforts to advance their shared
objectives.