Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on the sidelines of the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, reported UzDaily, citing the presidential press service.
The two sides noted that the joint portfolio of projects between Uzbekistan and the World Bank is approaching $16 billion. They discussed implementing the Growth and Jobs Programme and preparing a new Country Partnership Framework. Other topics were attracting private investment into infrastructure, privatisation and water security.
They also discussed preparations for the mid-term review forum of the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries. The forum will take place in Tashkent in December 2026.
The meeting underlines how important the World Bank has become for Uzbekistan’s reforms. Since Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016, the bank has become the country’s largest development partner, financing energy, water supply, roads and social programmes. Privatisation of state assets and private investment in infrastructure are central to Tashkent’s plans to raise growth and create jobs for a population of more than 37 million. Water security has become urgent as the Amu Darya’s flow shrinks and Afghanistan builds the Qosh Tepa canal.
CentralasianLIGHT.org,
November 11, 2026