On May 4th, 2023, the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of Uzbekistan organized the regular working meeting of the Country Platform of Uzbekistan at the International Business Centre. This event was conducted with the assistance of the World Bank, which acted as the Secretariat this year.
The meeting was attended by representatives of 14-line ministries and agencies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with 20 donors and development partners committed to achieving the objectives outlined in the New Uzbekistan Development Strategy for 2022-2026. The participants emphasized the need to coordinate cooperation with international financial institutions and organizations to support the government in achieving its strategic goals. The platform aims to mobilize international resources, technical assistance, and experience to ensure sustainable economic development in the country.
During the working session, the participants emphasized that the primary objective of the Country Platform is to support the Government of Uzbekistan in achieving its strategic goals through coordinated cooperation with international financial institutions and organizations. The platform aims to mobilize international experience, resources, and technical assistance to ensure the sustainable development of the country’s economy.
Several Working Groups presented the results of their work during the last three months. The Working Group on “Agriculture and Food,” with direct assistance from the Delegation of the European Union, has made progress in improving the system of secure land lease rights and turning them into marketable assets. The group has developed a draft Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Amendments and Additions to the Land Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.” The next stage for the group is to harmonize food safety standards with WTO standards. To achieve this, the group plans to draft advisory amendments to the country’s legislation and develop the State Programme on Adaptation to Climate Change to mitigate its impact on agriculture.
During the meeting, the Education Working Group presented the Pre-School and School Reform Roadmap 2023-2026. Over 20 development partners and donors confirmed their commitment to supporting the Roadmap’s implementation by mobilizing more than $580 million to be invested in education over the next three years.
Uzbekistan’s ongoing reform agenda includes ensuring energy security and increasing generation capacity while adhering to its commitments under the Paris Agreement. To support this goal, the Energy and Mining Working Group, with the assistance of the World Bank, has developed plans for Electricity Generation and Transmission. The Asian Development Bank is assisting in the finalization of the Electricity Distribution Master Plan.
To significantly increase the volume of geological exploration work and attract private investors and advanced foreign companies to the field, Uzbekistan is in the process of drafting a new version of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Subsoil”. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is participating as a technical advisor in this process.
Another crucial area on the reform agenda is to ensure energy security and increase generation capacity while adhering to Uzbekistan’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. To achieve this, the Energy and Mining Working Group, with the assistance of the World Bank, has developed Electricity Generation and Transmission Master Plans. Additionally, the Electricity Distribution Master Plan is being finalized with the support of the Asian Development Bank.
To increase the volume of geological exploration work and attract private investors and foreign companies to the field, a new version of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Subsoil” is being drafted. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is participating as a technical advisor in this process.
After the meeting, the International Partners reiterated their strong determination and commitment to continue providing coordinated and consistent support to Uzbekistan in implementing economic and structural reforms, as part of the Uzbekistan Country Platform framework.
Press service of ARS