BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 20
By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend:
US Agency for International Development (USAID) would like to capitalize on Uzbekistan’s forward-leaning stance on developing transnational relationships for its own development and the development of the region and of Afghanistan, Information Officer of the US Embassy in Tashkent Susannah Wood told Trend in an interview.
"Capitalizing on our shared accomplishments, USAID programs focus on reinforcing Uzbekistan’s effort to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), increasing private sector competitiveness through trade and targeted agricultural assistance, creating more employment opportunities domestically to curb migration, increasing regional cooperation on shared energy and water resources, including building a sustainable energy market and connectivity within the region and with Afghanistan," stated Wood.
Furthermore, the USAID programs are aimed at preventing the spread of infectious disease such as tuberculosis and COVID-19, building more responsive governance including combating human trafficking and countering violent extremism, and improving learning outcomes through support for the country’s education system, she added.
The information officer noted, that in addition to the very comprehensive package of assistance already discussed, there are many areas, such as natural resources and disaster management where USAID’s expertise could be utilized.
"The development of e-commerce and e-learning will take on new importance in our post-COVID world. USAID programs will look to expand the use of digital technology in all spheres of development, including commerce, health, and education," she said.
According to Wood, USAID’s future programs will build on the success of the agency’s past programs and continue to help Uzbekistan diversify its economy and increase regional trade, address serious health threats such as tuberculosis and COVID-19, encourage accountable and transparent governance, and strengthen the role of civil society.
The US Agency for International Development is an independent agency of the US Federal Government that is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.
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