The current state and prospects for cooperation between Uzbekistan and USAID, the implementation of priority programs and projects were discussed by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov and administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power, as well as USAID Deputy Administrator Isabelle Colman, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry reports.
The head of USAID reaffirmed her firm commitment to providing all possible assistance in the implementation of the tasks outlined in the New Uzbekistan Development Strategy for 2022-2026. In particular, they announced USAID's intention to closely coordinate its efforts with the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the report says.
The head of USAID welcomed the efforts of the government of Uzbekistan to ensure the openness of public administration, freedom of speech, and the development of civil society. It is emphasized that this contributes to a broad consideration of the interests of society in the decision-making processes on important issues of socio-political and socio-economic life.
USAID Deputy Head Isabelle Colman assured that the Agency will continue to implement financial and technical assistance projects, primarily taking into account the priorities of Uzbekistan.
USAID leadership expressed its readiness to assist in the modernization of the energy sector, the introduction of renewable energy sources, the development of water management, the improvement of the education system, vocational training and advanced training of young people.
Separately, the importance of attracting USAID assistance to the system of vocational education in order to expand employment opportunities for citizens of Uzbekistan and sustainable economic development of the country was noted.
The US has previously stated, that will help Uzbekistan with its accession to the WTO. The parties agreed to continue to cooperate on the regional agenda.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
December 13, 2022