Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation led by Antonella Bassani, Vice President for Europe and Central Asia at the World Bank, who is in the country to participate in the meeting of the "Swiss Group" of the World Bank's founding member states.

According to the president's press service, the meeting discussed issues of large-scale development of strategic partnership with the World Bank Group in priority areas of structural reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan.

Antonella Bassani conveyed greetings and best wishes from World Bank President Ajay Banga to the head of state.

"It was noted with satisfaction that in recent years, bilateral relations and constructive partnership with this authoritative international financial institution have risen to an unprecedented level. The high-level agreements reached with the World Bank President in New York in September last year are being implemented," the statement said.

It was noted that the joint project portfolio has exceeded $15 billion. The World Bank's regional office in Tashkent is operating successfully. New financing mechanisms are being effectively introduced.

The meeting emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for visits by the World Bank's senior management and joint events scheduled for 2026.

The parties supported plans to develop a new long-term country program covering key areas of socio-economic development.

Special attention was paid to expanding the use of World Bank Group financial instruments to support small and medium-sized business development, implement poverty reduction measures, promote joint programs for privatization of state enterprises, and introduce artificial intelligence technologies in economic sectors.

Establishing close cooperation in financing the water sector, developing human capital, and helping improve Uzbekistan's position in international rankings were also noted as priority tasks.

Source: www.gazeta.uz