Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In early April, Anna Bjerde, Managing Director for Operations at the World Bank, visited Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Following her trip, she shared an article on her LinkedIn page reflecting on the journey.

In the article, she noted that Tashkent and Dushanbe today combine a deep historical legacy with the energy of rapid transformation. Expanding transport and digital infrastructure is changing the way people move, access services, and build social connections, all while preserving the spirit of traditional bazaars.

Uzbekistan: Investing in the Future

Since 2017, the Government of Uzbekistan has been implementing wide-ranging reforms aimed at opening the economy, promoting the private sector, diversifying, and boosting foreign trade. These efforts have delivered notable results: GDP has grown at an average rate of 5.3%, and the poverty rate fell from 17% in 2021 to 8.9% in 2024 — lifting about 2.6 million people out of poverty.

“Uzbekistan has become one of the most active reformers in the world and a leader in economic empowerment of women,” Bjerde remarked.

During her visit, she met with women working in traditional economic sectors such as textile and food production. One inspiring example is Madina Karimova, a farmer from the Fergana region who was previously unemployed. With the help of a small grant, she and five other women purchased six cows and launched a farming business that quickly became profitable. “We know that investing in women transforms entire communities and nations,” Bjerde emphasized.

Still, challenges remain — particularly in job creation. Over the past five years, Uzbekistan’s population grew by 2%, while employment increased by just 1.1%. The World Bank is working with the government to close this gap, focusing on promising areas like digital services, e-commerce, and the freelance economy.

Financial inclusion was also a key topic. Many women, like Madina, lack access to banking services, credit, and digital payments. In meetings with policymakers and private sector leaders, including fintech companies, discussions focused on creating a supportive environment for small and medium-sized businesses. “The World Bank will continue supporting this agenda — for the prosperity of Uzbekistan’s people and the wider Central Asian region,” Bjerde said.

Tajikistan: Growth Through Digitalization and Collaboration

The visit to Tajikistan revealed another success story. Between 2000 and 2022, the poverty rate dropped from 90% to 12.4%, supported by an average annual GDP growth of 7.1%. Digitalization is emerging as a key driver of future progress. One standout example is the work of Gulanor Atobek, head of Alif Bank — one of Tajikistan’s most innovative fintech institutions. Thanks to her leadership, the share of women using digital banking services rose from 2% to 20% over five years.

“This is a promising start, but much more needs to be done to ensure equal opportunities for all,” Bjerde said, praising the country's national strategies on digitalization and inclusion, backed by both public and private sectors.

Access to water remains another priority issue in Tajikistan. Despite ample water resources, the country’s infrastructure requires modernization. The World Bank plans to continue investing in water efficiency and promoting regional cooperation. “Creating a water-secure future in Central Asia is achievable,” Bjerde emphasized.

“I leave with a sense of optimism based on what I witnessed in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan,” she concluded. “Strong foundations are being laid for new frontiers of development that will soon bring more opportunities, higher incomes, and better quality of life for all.”