BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 8. Uzbekistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have discussed expanding cooperation on institutional development, human capital and economic research, with a focus on strengthening the expertise of government officials.
This was reflected in the statement by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan following a meeting between Deputy Minister Akhadbek Khaydarov and an IMF delegation led by Takashi Nagaoka, Director of the IMF Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, on August 6.
The sides reviewed promising areas of bilateral cooperation, including stronger institutional collaboration, human capital development and joint analytical research.
Particular attention was given to the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA), including its objectives and potential benefits for employees of Uzbekistan's Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Implemented jointly by the Government of Japan and the IMF, JISPA is designed to develop highly qualified public-sector specialists across the Asia-Pacific region. The program focuses on economic policy, macroeconomic analysis, public finance and institutional governance.
Under the program, participants can pursue master's and doctoral degrees in economics, macroeconomics, public policy and public finance at leading universities in Japan. The program combines academic training with practical approaches to economic policymaking and reform implementation.
"The program provides participants with advanced knowledge and practical approaches to the development and implementation of economic reforms," the ministry said.
Beyond academic training, the scholarship provides opportunities for participants to exchange expertise with international economists, academics and public-sector professionals. Such exchanges are intended to strengthen analytical capabilities and public administration skills.
The Uzbek ministry said graduates are expected to return to public service and apply their expertise to economic policymaking, financial stability and reforms aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth.
The meeting concluded with the ministry and the IMF reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation and jointly pursuing new initiatives in the future.
