The Minister of Uzbekistan for Poverty Reduction and Employment, Botir Zakhidov, and the World Bank practice manager for social protection and employment in the Europe and Central Asia region, Paolo Belli, held discussions on preparing a joint project. The goal of this project is to develop professional skills and increase employment opportunities for socially vulnerable segments of the population.
Discussion on Cooperation Prospects
The main topic of the meeting was the joint planning of an initiative called 'Productive Employment through Skills Development and Economic Integration.' The parties exchanged views on the potential for cooperation in vocational training, support for vulnerable groups' employment, and expanding their participation in the labor market.
Representatives of the Uzbek side also shared their experience interacting with the private sector. They spoke about consolidating family businesses into cooperatives and applying artificial intelligence technologies in the ministry's work.
However, the report did not disclose details of the proposed project, its preparation timeline, or the volume of planned funding.
