Photo: zamin.uz
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to support the government of Uzbekistan in improving public sector efficiency, advancing economic governance, and accelerating the country’s integration into the global economy, the ADB press service reported.
The loan is part of the Economic Management Improvement Program (Phase 2), which continues previously launched reforms and supports a new generation of institutional measures aimed at making Uzbekistan’s economic environment more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable.
Kanokpan Lao-Araya, ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan, said the ADB, as a strategic partner, firmly supports the government’s drive for economic modernization and remains committed to assisting reforms that unlock the country’s full potential on its path toward World Trade Organization (WTO) accession and deeper engagement in the global economy.
The program outlines several specific measures:
▪ Adoption of unified regulations governing public investments in public–private partnerships (PPPs);
▪ Introduction of legislation to strengthen competition and improve investment management;
▪ Modernization of state enterprise governance through improved board structures, gender representation targets, and mandatory adoption of international financial reporting standards.
The reforms also aim to broaden the tax base and strengthen international cooperation in taxation. An anti-corruption framework will be reinforced through a new law on conflict of interest and upgraded auditing systems. The program also envisions aligning national legislation with global trade and investment standards to support Uzbekistan’s WTO accession.
Social implications of the reforms have also been taken into account. Measures are planned to strengthen social protection systems and mitigate the impact of economic restructuring on vulnerable populations. These safeguards are intended to ensure a fair distribution of the benefits of reform and promote long-term social cohesion.
In 2025, Uzbekistan and the ADB mark 30 years of partnership. Since joining the bank in 1995, the country has received $14.6 billion in loans, grants, and technical assistance.
