Asian Development Bank reviewed reforms in Uzbekistan's pharmaceutical industry

Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) held discussions on potential areas of cooperation, including financing a project to create water supply and sanitation systems resilient to climate change.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

According to the Department of Public Relations and Communications of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the meeting took place on September 8. The negotiations involved Akhadbek Khaydarov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, and representatives from the ADB.

Mirzo Iskandar Gulomov, ADB's Country Operations Director, Srinivas Sampath, Director of Water Supply and Urban Development, and other bank staff also participated in the discussion.

The main focus was on the 'Development of Climate-Resilient Water Supply and Sanitation Systems' project, which is planned for implementation with the participation of the ADB. This project involves developing water supply and sanitation services in the Andijan and Fergana regions, as well as in the Karakalpakstan Republic.

Furthermore, the parties reviewed new possible areas of interaction. Proposals and ideas regarding future joint initiatives and projects were exchanged. This meeting served as a platform for further discussion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the ADB within the framework of prospective endeavors.

Representatives of Chinese companies discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors with the Agency for the Development of the Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry of Uzbekistan, expressing interest in developing pharmaceutical projects in Uzbekistan.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz)

The Director of the Agency, Abdulla Azizov, met with a delegation of Chinese firms led by Zhang Shun. The parties discussed joint projects, investment opportunities, and new directions for mutually beneficial partnership.

During the meeting, participants noted that Uzbekistan is creating favorable conditions for attracting foreign investment, developing new production potential in pharmaceuticals, and localizing manufactured products.

Special attention was paid to the possibilities of implementing modern technologies and increasing the export potential of pharmaceutical production. Representatives of both sides also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in the fields of investment, production, and technology transfer.

The discussed areas included product localization and assisting enterprises in entering international markets. At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to implement promising initiatives based on specific projects and continued practical interaction between Uzbek and Chinese companies in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.

A large-scale modernization of the national statistics system is planned in Uzbekistan, which is expected to be completed by 2030. The main focus of this reform is on the complete digitalization of processes and reducing the bureaucratic burden on business representatives.

These proposals for reforming the industry were presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. According to the new strategy, a 20% reduction in reporting requirements for businesses is expected. Furthermore, the share of data coming from alternative and administrative sources will increase by 1.7 times, while the time taken to process information and the costs of the statistical system itself will decrease by 20% and 25%, respectively.

Digitalization and Data Integration

The central element of the digital transformation will be the National Data Platform, the launch of which is scheduled for July 1, 2027. This platform will ensure the integration of systems across all government bodies. By the same date, statistical information will be converted into formats that allow artificial intelligence systems to conduct direct analysis, and specialized AI agents for comparing indicators will also be launched.

By the end of 2027, all information related to agriculture, infrastructure, and demographics will be presented on digital geospatial maps. A Commission for Data Management is being formed to monitor the implementation of these changes in the country. This commission must inventory all departmental systems by December 1 and approve their improvement plan by May 1, 2027.

As part of supporting specialists, a Data-Driven Management School will be opened to train journalists, analysts, and civil servants, and a project office focusing on open data will also start.

Between 2027 and 2028, Uzbekistan will conduct the seventh round of the Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey and, together with the IMF, assess how well the updated statistics system meets international standards. The Head of State emphasized the critical importance of obtaining timely and accurate statistics for making informed management decisions and instructed to ensure the full implementation of the planned reforms.

Previously, it was announced that a business census in Uzbekistan would take place from October 15 to November 30. This large-scale count will allow for the complete cataloging of operating economic entities, determining their actual status and industry affiliation, and significantly updating the statistical registers of enterprises and organizations in the country.