ADB, Uzbekistan Celebrate 30 Years of Partnership, Deepen Support for Reforms

The visit underscores ADB’s commitment to supporting Uzbekistan’s ambitious New Uzbekistan 2030 reform agenda, which emphasizes inclusive, people-centered, and sustainable development.

In a landmark visit marking 30 years of development cooperation, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan to reaffirm and expand their strategic partnership. The visit underscores ADB’s commitment to supporting Uzbekistan’s ambitious New Uzbekistan 2030 reform agenda, which emphasizes inclusive, people-centered, and sustainable development.

“ADB is proud to celebrate three decades of partnership with Uzbekistan,” said President Kanda. “We remain committed to supporting reforms that broaden opportunities for people and communities, invest in their potential, and help deliver inclusive and sustainable growth across Uzbekistan.”

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A Strategic Vision: New Uzbekistan 2030 and ADB's Support

The bilateral meeting between Mr. Kanda and President Mirziyoyev centered on Uzbekistan’s New Uzbekistan 2030 vision, which is anchored in the principle of "In the name of human honor and dignity." The wide-ranging conversation focused on priority reforms including:

• Private sector development and entrepreneurship

• State-owned enterprise (SOE) transformation

• Renewable energy and energy transition

• Financial sector reform and inclusion

• Regional cooperation and integration

Kanda pledged stronger ADB engagement and financing to accelerate these reforms, noting that inclusive, sustainable growth and economic diversification were central to both Uzbekistan’s national goals and ADB’s strategic priorities for Central Asia.

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Major Agreements Signed: $400 Million in New Investments

A key highlight of the visit was the signing of two major loan agreements between ADB and the Government of Uzbekistan, reflecting the evolution of ADB’s engagement from infrastructure investment to broader economic and social development support.

1. $100 million — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in Secondary Education Project

   • Upgrades 200 secondary schools with modern STEM laboratories

   • Introduces digital learning tools, inclusive classroom designs, and teacher training

   • Aims to better prepare youth for 21st-century skills and innovation-driven careers

2. $300 million — Inclusive Finance Sector Development Program, Subprogram 2

   • Strengthens financial governance and regulation

   • Expands access to finance for women, rural entrepreneurs, and underserved communities

   • Enhances the role of microfinance, fintech, and inclusive credit systems

These projects signal ADB’s support for Uzbekistan’s drive to build human capital, enhance financial inclusion, and foster broad-based economic empowerment.

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Preparing for ADB’s 59th Annual Meeting in Samarkand

The visit also included discussions around preparations for the ADB’s 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors, to be hosted in Samarkand in May 2026. Both sides see the event as a key opportunity to:

• Highlight Uzbekistan’s reform milestones on a regional and global stage

• Promote Central Asia’s role in connectivity, climate adaptation, and economic cooperation

• Attract global investors and development partners

Mr. Kanda visited the Silk Road Complex, the future venue of the Annual Meeting, and met with Governor Adiz Boboev to review logistics and event planning. The meeting is expected to draw thousands of participants, including ministers, development experts, business leaders, civil society representatives, and academics.

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Deepening On-the-Ground Presence: New ADB Office in Tashkent

In another milestone for bilateral cooperation, Mr. Kanda and Deputy Prime Minister and ADB Governor Jamshid Khodjaev jointly inaugurated the expanded ADB Uzbekistan Resident Mission in Tashkent. The upgraded office space will:

• Strengthen ADB’s in-country operations and responsiveness

• Enhance coordination with government agencies, donors, and private sector partners

• Improve monitoring and support for ADB’s growing portfolio in Uzbekistan

The inauguration was followed by a reception attended by over 100 stakeholders, including senior government officials, international development agencies, and business representatives, celebrating three decades of impactful collaboration.

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Looking Back, Moving Forward

Since Uzbekistan joined ADB in 1995, the partnership has grown significantly, with cumulative ADB commitments surpassing $10 billion across sectors such as energy, transport, urban services, agriculture, education, and finance. Recent years have seen a growing focus on:

• Decarbonization and climate resilience

• Inclusive social development

• Private sector-led growth

• Public–private partnerships (PPPs)

Uzbekistan’s ongoing economic reforms and its emergence as a regional leader in Central Asia provide fertile ground for the next phase of ADB cooperation.

“This visit reaffirms our long-standing relationship and shared vision for the future,” Kanda noted. “We look forward to even deeper collaboration as Uzbekistan continues its bold transformation.”