Photo: Press service of the President of Uzbekistan
On April 3, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The talks were held as part of the business program of the «Central Asia–European Union» summit, according to the Uzbek leader’s press service.
Mirziyoyev and his guest discussed in detail the practical aspects of further developing cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EBRD. Both sides noted the current high level of strategic partnership between the republic and the respected financial institution. The joint project portfolio in priority sectors continues to grow. To date, the bank's total investment in the Central Asian country has exceeded €5 billion, with around €1 billion allocated last year alone. It was noted that the bulk of this support has been directed toward the private sector.
The country’s medium-term Partnership Strategy is being implemented effectively. With the EBRD’s expert support, programs are underway to transform the banking sector and expand business opportunities.
Mirziyoyev and Renaud-Basso discussed expanding cooperation in key areas such as the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, support for women’s and youth entrepreneurship, and the strengthening of public-private partnership projects—particularly in education, water supply, and solid waste processing.
Notably, the priorities of collaboration were identified in areas including the green economy, decarbonization, digitalization and artificial intelligence, the mortgage market, and transport infrastructure.
The two also discussed preparations for the upcoming Tashkent International Investment Forum and the Foreign Investors Council meeting, both scheduled for June of this year.
The first «Central Asia–European Union» summit is taking place in Samarkand on April 3–4. Participants include European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the presidents of Uzbekistan (Shavkat Mirziyoyev), Kazakhstan (Kassym-Jomart Tokayev), Kyrgyzstan (Sadyr Japarov), Tajikistan (Emomali Rahmon), and Turkmenistan (Serdar Berdimuhamedow).
Held under the banner “Investing in the Future,” the summit is also expected to include representatives from the EBRD and the European Investment Bank. The dialogue will address prospects for developing multifaceted relations and practical cooperation between the region’s countries and the EU.
