Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, met with the Global Director for Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy (ENB) at the World Bank, Valerie Hickey. The ongoing work on sustainable green development was discussed at the meeting.

Valerie Hickey noted that the World Bank is participating in a conference dedicated to the protection of migratory species for the first time. She also noted that much work is underway to restore endangered species of wild animals in Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, the reforms carried out in waste management were also noted.

"Uzbekistan pays great attention to the field of waste management. This means that our goals are common. We are pleased to cooperate with Uzbekistan in the field of solid waste treatment and sorting, as well as state support for entrepreneurs and workers in the field", said Valerie Hickey.

In turn, Aziz Abdukhakimov spoke about the goals set for the industry in the republic, in particular, the effective creation of a waste management system, the introduction of a circular economy, and the development of the "zero waste" principle.

"Now waste will become a valuable resource for the economy. We strive to build a "green" society that is beneficial in all aspects", said the minister.

During the meeting, a project aimed at creating six transboundary protected areas was discussed. It is planned that he will make a great contribution to the development of ecotourism, as well as the protection and conservation of rare animal species.

As a result of the negotiations, an agreement was reached on cooperation to attract leading companies in the waste sector to Uzbekistan, introduce investments by the World Bank in this area, and allocate grants.