The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has unveiled a comprehensive funding initiative to bolster Uzbekistan across various fronts. Samantha Power, the head of the agency, announced about financing packages during her visit to Tashkent.
A significant portion of this funding, amounting to $3.5mn, is earmarked to support key economic sectors, including tourism, information technology, and sustainable "green" practices. As part of this endeavor, local businesses will receive assistance in embracing e-commerce technologies, aiming to stimulate job creation, attract investment, and broaden export opportunities, with a notable emphasis on promoting inclusivity and eliminating barriers for women and individuals with disabilities in entrepreneurship.
In a parallel effort, another $3.5mn will be directed towards a program that will engage various stakeholders, encompassing governmental institutions, the private sector, and civil society. This collective initiative will focus on enhancing the accountability and effectiveness of local and regional administrations. The overarching objective is to enhance transparency in local budgets, elevate the skills of public officials, and empower citizens with tools for monitoring and evaluating governance performance. This project will also facilitate the development of legislation aimed at promoting administrative decentralization.
Furthermore, a considerable investment of $4mn will be directed towards the improvement of Uzbekistan's epidemic response systems, drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative involves upgrading laboratory facilities, strengthening the readiness for epidemic management, and establishing effective public engagement.
Additionally, USAID will introduce a program, TB Free Uzbekistan, with a budget of $3.2mn, to combat tuberculosis comprehensively. This initiative extends beyond prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to address the stigma associated with the disease and enhance healthcare financing.
The multifaceted USAID initiatives reflect a robust commitment to advancing Uzbekistan's economic, healthcare, and administrative capacities, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for the nation.
Earlier, Daryo reported that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan held a meeting with Samantha Power, who serves as the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), on October 23, 2023.
The focus of their discussions was the collaboration between Uzbekistan and USAID, with an emphasis on ongoing projects. This meeting occurred within the context of a ministerial-level gathering involving Central Asian nations and the United States.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the premier federal agency of the United States responsible for providing foreign assistance.
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