Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The business program of the first "Central Asia – European Union" summit began on 3 April with a meeting between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) President Odile Renaud-Basso.

The parties discussed in detail the prospects of deepening Uzbekistan's cooperation with this leading international financial institution.

It was noted with satisfaction that the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the EBRD has reached an unprecedented level. The portfolio of joint projects in priority sectors is steadily growing, with the Bank’s total investments in the country’s economy exceeding 5 billion euros, approximately 1 billion of which was allocated last year. The main focus is on supporting the private sector.

The medium-term Partnership Strategy is being effectively implemented, with expert support from the EBRD driving initiatives for transforming the banking system and expanding business opportunities.

Special attention was given to improving the quality and efficiency of project implementation, optimizing procedures, and accelerating project preparation.

During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in several key areas, including the development of small and medium-sized businesses, support for women's and youth entrepreneurship, and expanding public-private partnership mechanisms, particularly in sectors such as education, water supply, and waste processing.

Priority areas for collaboration were identified, including projects in the green economy, decarbonization, digitalization, and artificial intelligence, as well as the development of the housing market and transport infrastructure.

The parties also exchanged views on the preparation and organization of the Tashkent International Investment Forum and the next meeting of the Foreign Investors Council, both of which are scheduled for June this year.