Uzbekistan, ADB set $12.5bn development plan as cumulative project financing reaches $16bn

Projects implemented with the participation of the Asian Development Bank in Uzbekistan have reached a cumulative portfolio of approximately $16bn, placing the country among the largest recipients of ADB financing in the region, as discussed during high-level talks on May 3 in Samarkand between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Asian Development Bank Masato Kanda.

The meeting reviewed the current state and future directions of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank, which has been developing for more than three decades. Both sides noted the significance of the existing project portfolio and ongoing implementation of large-scale development initiatives.

The discussions covered major areas of cooperation, including transport infrastructure, energy systems, water supply and sanitation, agriculture, and social sector development. These projects have contributed to modernization efforts across key segments of the economy.

Attention was also given to the new partnership framework between Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank for the period through 2030. The program outlines planned cooperation projects with a total value of $12.5bn and serves as a basis for medium-term engagement.

Priority areas identified include support for the mortgage market, private sector development, youth and women’s entrepreneurship, poverty reduction initiatives, reforms in inclusive education, human capital development, digital transformation, and modernization of infrastructure in special economic zones.

The parties also discussed regional infrastructure initiatives in Central Asia and the role of the Asian Development Bank in mobilizing financial resources for their implementation.

Following the talks, an exchange ceremony was held for the updated partnership program, formalizing cooperation priorities between Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank through 2030.