The purpose of Shigeo Katsu’s visit to Uzbekistan was to give an official start to consultations on a new Country Assistance Strategy for this country and to discuss the progress and plans for further cooperation between the World Bank and the government of Uzbekistan.

During the first two days of the visit on 28 and 29 January the Vice President met with Mr.Rustam Azimov, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Mr. Faizullo Mullajonov, Chairman of Central Bank, World Bank Governor for Uzbekistan as well as other high ranking government officials representing key ministries. The discussions covered reform progress, support to the Welfare Improvement Strategy (WIS) adopted by the government and the World Bank’s planned future support as proposed in the draft 2008 Country Assistance Strategy.

At his meetings with Uzbekistan officials Mr. Katsu was seeking for a feedback on how the Bank can most effectively help Uzbekistan achieve its objectives of successful economic reforms.

Mr. Katsu also met with the representatives of the donor community, civil society and mass media.

“Never stop learning!” - this was the Vice President’s wish to Uzbek youth at the meeting held on 30 January 2008 in the World Bank country office. The discussion focused on how the Bank could further support youth initiatives and build on positive experience gained through events implemented by the country office and youth organizations of Uzbekistan. How the young people see their country in the coming future? What are the main challenges? What youth could do for the prosperity of the country? These and many other questions were raised at the discussion. The Vice President also launched a small photo exhibition in the Public Information Center (PIC) entitled “Agriculture for Development,” which highlights the impact of World Bank projects in rural areas.