Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 7 February, a delegation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), led by IFC Director for Türkiye and Central Asia Wiebke Schloemer, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov to discuss ongoing and future projects within public-private partnership (PPP) programs.

The negotiations also included IFC Regional Manager for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Neil McKain, Regional Strategy Lead for the Middle East, Türkiye, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Shabana Khawar, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Ilkhomjon Umrzakov, and other officials from relevant government agencies.

IFC representatives highly praised Uzbekistan’s strategic goals in PPP development and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting their implementation.

The discussions covered current and prospective projects under PPP programs as well as measures to ensure efficient land resource management.

Key areas of cooperation were highlighted:

In the energy sector, the focus was on improving the regional power supply system through PPP mechanisms.

In green growth, discussions included enhancing energy efficiency, introducing modern heating technologies, implementing environmentally friendly heat pumps, and expanding hydropower projects.

In healthcare, the parties explored prospects for constructing modern hospitals in the regions under PPP frameworks.

In agriculture, the emphasis was placed on developing irrigation projects, including the construction of modern pumping stations.

Regarding land resource management, discussions centered on implementing the presidential decree on enhancing soil fertility and creating favorable conditions for investment in the sector, highlighting its role in further agricultural development.

Additionally, both sides exchanged views on ensuring sustainable economic growth, implementing structural reforms, and advancing the transformation and privatization of state-owned banks.

Following the negotiations, an agreement was reached to expand cooperation and further develop joint initiatives.