Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan - Minister of Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov held a meeting with the World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, Cyril Muller, who is in Uzbekistan on an official visit.

Since 2017, the World Bank has significantly increased financial and technical assistance for the implementation of the structural reform program aimed at ensuring economic growth and improving the well-being of its citizens.

Currently, the World Bank’s portfolio in Uzbekistan is among the three largest in Europe and Central Asia. It consists of 22 projects implemented by the government of Uzbekistan, totaling US$4.08 billion. These projects contribute to the implementation of macroeconomic reforms, the development of agriculture and water management, the energy and transport sectors, health care systems, education and social protection, urban infrastructure, water supply and sanitation.

The World Bank welcomes the ongoing socio-economic changes in the country, Cyril Muller said. He reaffirmed the World Bank’s intention to continue providing financial and advisory assistance to the reform program.

Also during the meeting, an exchange of views took place on expanding further cooperation of the World Bank Group with Uzbekistan in various sectors of the economy.

The parties signed loan and grant agreements in the amount of US$656.85 million, funding for which was approved by the World Bank’s Board of Directors in May – July of this year. These funds will be used to implement macroeconomic reforms, develop pre-school education systems and social ensuring, as well as the capacity of state institutions necessary for the effective functioning of a market economy.