Uzbekistan and UK discuss reforms and investment cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A meeting was held on 13 May in Tashkent between Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Uzbekistan Timothy Smart.

The meeting was attended by UK Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia David Reed, Country Director at the British Embassy Nicholas Altam, as well as Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Umid Abidkhadzhaev, Deputy Minister of Transport Jasurbek Choriev, and other representatives of both sides.

The parties discussed prospects for further development of bilateral cooperation, ongoing economic reforms in Uzbekistan, and measures to strengthen macroeconomic and financial stability.

During the talks, particular attention was paid to privatization processes and expanding access to international capital markets.

Cooperation under the Green Inclusive Growth Fund (GIG Fund) was also discussed. The fund is aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, developing venture capital, expanding the private sector, and financing innovative startups.

A separate focus was placed on transport and logistics infrastructure projects, including initiatives to develop high-speed railway networks and construct modern toll road systems.

The British side emphasized the importance of such projects for accelerating economic growth and improving the efficiency of logistics chains.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further developing cooperation, advancing joint initiatives in priority areas, and maintaining regular constructive dialogue.