Areas of Cooperation Discussed with Representatives of the International Finance Corporation

The meeting was attended by Neil McKain, IFC's Country Manager for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan; Alan Nunke, Investment Manager for the Financial Sector in the Central Asia and Turkey region; as well as Ilhomjon Umrzakov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, and other officials.

During the meeting, the parties thoroughly discussed priority areas for mutual cooperation and ways to further increase the effectiveness of ongoing joint projects. In particular, the parties paid special attention to the following matters:

• effective implementation of important infrastructure projects based on public-private partnerships, such as, the construction of a modern multi-disciplinary hospital in the Fergana region; the improvement of the electricity supply system in the city of Samarkand; the construction of modern toll roads suitable for vehicle traffic; the development of the irrigation system; and the construction of hydroelectric power plants;
• Expanding cooperation in the area of mortgage loan refinancing;
• accelerating the processes of transforming and privatizing SOBs.

During the discussions, the parties also exchanged views on matters such as supporting the private sector, developing small and medium-sized enterprises, and formulating new initiatives aimed specifically at developing youth and women's entrepreneurship, as well as creating broad opportunities for startup projects.

At the end of the negotiations, the parties agreed to develop mutual cooperation and to carry out systematic and effective activities to achieve the set goals.