BAKU, Azerbaijan, Apr. 23
By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend:
The World Bank and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan discussed further cooperation via a videoconference, Trend reports with reference to the ministry.
A videoconference was held with participation of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Cyril Muller and other bank officials involved in the implementation of projects in Uzbekistan.
The parties discussed the current state of the joint projects and agreements related to the World Bank's support of measures and efforts of the Government of Uzbekistan to combat the spread of COVID-19 and its economic impact, the message said.
The bank's representatives informed that loan negotiations on the Emergency response to COVID-19 project in the amount of $95 million and on additional financing within the Ensuring sustainability of market reforms in Uzbekistan in the amount of $200 million have been successfully completed and approval of funding for these initiatives is expected in the near future.
During the videoconference, further actions on cooperation in priority areas were outlined, including reforms in the aviation, electricity and gas sectors; the development of the Strategy for Banking System Reform in 2020-2025; the Strategy for the Development of Agriculture; and the Concept for the Development of Higher Education System. Issues related to assistance in tax reforms and further improvement of tax administration were also considered.
An agreement was reached to ensure continuity of the work of the World Bank in Uzbekistan including accelerated implementation of ongoing projects and exploring opportunities for expanding the scope of cooperation.
On April 21, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded the World Bank Vice President Cyril Muller, with the Dustlik (Friendship) Order.
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