Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The event was moderated by the World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia, Najy Benhassine. The panel discussion also featured speeches by Brigitte Haas, Prime Minister of the Principality of Liechtenstein; Pietro Lazzeri, State Secretary for International Finance of the Swiss Confederation; Fayziddin Qahhorzoda, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan; Jurand Drop, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Finance Republic of Poland and Lisa Kaestner, Director of the International Finance Corporation for Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
 

It was noted that in today's global economic climate, regional cooperation is one of the most important factors in increasing economic growth, stability, and competitiveness. Particular importance is attached to diversifying transport and logistics routes, reducing trade costs, and deepening economic integration with neighboring countries.
 

Based on this, the panel session was dedicated to strengthening regional connectivity, developing digital infrastructure, energy, transport, and trade corridors, as well as attracting private sector investment. During the event, issues of deepening regional economic integration and developing cross-border cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, logistics, and digital infrastructure were discussed.
 

At the seminar, Uzbekistan's consistent efforts to join the World Trade Organization were assessed as an important step towards the country's integration into the international trade system, the adaptation of national legislation and regulatory mechanisms to international standards, and the creation of an open and predictable environment for investors.
 

Special attention was also paid to attracting private investment into infrastructure and connectivity projects, the effective use of public-private partnerships, guarantees, and blended financing mechanisms, reducing trade costs, modernizing customs processes, and harmonizing regulatory mechanisms. The discussions also examined the role of the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund, and other international financial institutions in supporting regional connectivity initiatives.
 

Following the discussions, the need to develop practical recommendations to strengthen regional cooperation, mobilize public and private investment in priority infrastructure projects, and develop open and rule-based trade was noted.
 

Participants of the event noted that connectivity, investment, and open trade serve as an important factor for sustainable economic growth in the region, creating new opportunities, and improving the well-being of the population.

PR and Communications Department

Ministry of Economy and Finance