The Vice President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Dr. Ludger Schuknecht, embarked on a visit to Uzbekistan. The primary agenda of his visit was to engage in high-level meetings with government officials to pave the way for the upcoming AIIB Annual Meeting slated to be held in Samarkand in September 2024.
During his stay, Dr. Schuknecht held productive discussions with key figures in Uzbekistan's government, including Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade and AIIB Governor, Ilkhom Makhkamov, Minister of Transport, and Bobur Usmanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The talks primarily centered around ongoing projects and the initiation of preparations for the upcoming Annual Meeting.
The visit comes on the heels of a meeting between the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the President of AIIB, Jin Liqun, earlier this year at AIIB headquarters in Beijing. During this meeting, a three-year investment program was inked, underscoring the pivotal role of AIIB in Uzbekistan's sustainable development endeavors.
Reflecting on the discussions held during his visit, Vice President Schuknecht expressed optimism about Uzbekistan's commitment to progress and its enthusiasm for shaping meaningful dialogues that will drive international collaboration and development forward.
“We have had very valuable and productive conversations with our counterparts in Uzbekistan. As we anticipate the Annual Meeting in this vibrant country, I am inspired by the country's commitment to progress and eagerness to foster meaningful discussions that will shape the future of international collaboration and development,” Vice President Schuknecht voiced.
A notable aspect of Vice President Schuknecht’s itinerary was his excursion to Samarkand. Accompanied by the Deputy Mayor of Samarkand, he toured the Silk Road Congress Center, the anticipated venue for the Annual Meeting. Additionally, he delved into the rich cultural heritage of Samarkand and indulged in the city’s traditional cuisine, immersing himself in the local ambiance.
Uzbekistan has been a focal point for AIIB's investment initiatives, with 13 projects approved to date spanning various sectors, including energy, transportation, green financing, and water infrastructure. The total capital allocated by AIIB to projects in Uzbekistan has surpassed $3bn, showcasing the bank's contribution to the country's development landscape.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank committed to financing the Infrastructure for Tomorrow—infrastructure with sustainability at its core. Established in Beijing in January 2016, AIIB has rapidly expanded its footprint, boasting 109 approved members globally. With a capitalization of $100bn and a Triple-A credit rating from major international agencies, AIIB collaborates with partners to unlock new capital and invest in infrastructure that is environmentally friendly, technologically advanced, and promotes regional connectivity.
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