Uzbekistan and Islamic Development Bank Discuss Agricultural Modernization and Financing

Uzbekistan and the World Bank Group held discussions on prospects for economic growth, attracting private investment, and creating new jobs.

These issues were addressed on October 16 in Bangkok during a meeting between Jamshid Kuchkarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, and Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group.

According to the Department of Information and Communications of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, the negotiations took place concurrently with the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Participants in the discussion included Anna Bierde, World Bank Chief Operating Officer; Imad Fahuri, Regional Vice President of the International Finance Corporation for the Middle East and Central Asia; Nodirbek Ochilov, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan; Jasur Karshibayev, Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Finance, as well as other representatives.

The parties reviewed Uzbekistan's macroeconomic trends, progress made in ongoing reforms, and opportunities to expand cooperation with the World Bank Group. Special attention was paid to sectors capable of supporting sustainable economic growth and increasing the country's economic opportunities.

The discussions covered infrastructure and energy development, agribusiness, healthcare, and tourism, as well as increasing the production of higher value-added goods. Other topics included the AgriConnect initiative aimed at agricultural development and the Water Compact program, which aims to improve water resource management.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue cooperation and expand initiatives in the discussed areas.

The Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, Ibrohim Abdurakhmanov, held a meeting in Tashkent with the C4+1 coordinator, Angelo Dan, to discuss the development of agricultural cooperation.

The dialogue took place during international forums dedicated to World Cotton Day and food security in landlocked developing countries.

At the beginning of the meeting, participants reviewed opportunities for further interaction between Uzbekistan and African states in the agrarian sector, including experience exchange and the implementation of new joint projects.

Special attention was paid to cotton production, ensuring food security, implementing modern agricultural technologies, and developing seed production. The parties also discussed the production and processing of agricultural products, as well as prospects for their promotion on world markets.

Participants separately considered the potential to elevate cooperation within the C4+1 mechanism to a new level. Discussions focused on expanding the exchange of best practices, scientific developments, and innovative technologies among cotton-producing countries.

Furthermore, the parties emphasized the importance of forming professional and scientific ties, including between researchers and specialists, as well as implementing joint agricultural initiatives.

Another area of negotiation was cooperation between the International Agricultural University of Benin and the Tashkent State Agrarian University.

The C4+1 mechanism is a cooperation format that unites African cotton-producing countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali. Côte d'Ivoire later joined the mechanism.

At the end of the meeting, the parties reached an agreement to continue mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, utilizing existing opportunities and exploring new areas through practical projects.

The Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan reported that Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates held discussions on expanding cooperation and implementing investment projects during meetings held in Abu Dhabi.

The Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, participated in the Investopia Bridge 2026 forum and the UAE-Uzbekistan business round table titled 'Connecting Capital with Opportunities' on October 7 in Abu Dhabi.

During these events, the parties discussed opportunities to deepen interaction in several priority areas. These include energy, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, the financial sector, chemical industry, agriculture, tourism, transport and logistics, as well as development.

As part of his visit, Kudratov held a series of bilateral meetings with the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdullah bin Tuk Al Marri, the Minister of Investment, Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, and the Minister of Foreign Trade, Tani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

The head of the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade also spoke with leaders of major companies from the UAE. The parties reviewed prospects for further strengthening business ties and implementing planned projects.

Following the completion of the visit, further guidance was established for promoting projects involving state institutions, investment funds, and business representatives from Uzbekistan and the UAE.