ADB President Visits Uzbekistan to Strengthen Partnership, Celebrate 30 Years of Cooperation – EQ
In Short : The ADB President visited Uzbekistan to mark 30 years of partnership and reaffirm the bank’s commitment to supporting the nation’s development goals. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in energy, infrastructure, climate resilience, and private sector growth. ADB emphasized its long-term support for Uzbekistan’s reforms, highlighting progress in economic modernization and future opportunities for deeper regional integration.
In Detail : TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN — Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda met today with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to reaffirm the strength of ADB’s partnership with the Republic of Uzbekistan and to commemorate 30 years of development cooperation.
“ADB is proud to celebrate three decades of partnership with Uzbekistan,” said Mr. Kanda. “We remain committed to supporting reforms that broaden opportunities for people and communities, invest in their potential, and help deliver inclusive and sustainable growth across Uzbekistan.”
Mr. Kanda discussed with Mr. Mirziyoyev his government’s development priorities under the New Uzbekistan 2030 vision and its principle of “In the name of human honor and dignity.” He pledged stronger ADB support in key reform areas including private sector development, the transformation of state-owned enterprises, renewable energy, financial inclusion, and regional cooperation.
Mr. Kanda and Mr. Mirziyoyev also shared the expectation that ADB’s 59th Annual Meeting in Samarkand in May 2026 would demonstrate the strong partnership between ADB and Uzbekistan and serve as an opportunity to showcase Uzbekistan’s reform achievements and regional leadership.
During his visit, Mr. Kanda held high-level meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and ADB Governor Jamshid Khodjaev and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov to discuss advancing strategic reforms, enhancing public–private partnerships, and deepening cooperation in priority sectors such as education, finance, and infrastructure.
He witnessed the signing of two loan agreements with the Government of Uzbekistan. The first was the $100 million Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in Secondary Education Project, which will upgrade 200 schools with modern laboratories, digital facilities, and inclusive learning environments. The second was the $300 million Inclusive Finance Sector Development Program, Subprogram 2, which will strengthen national financial inclusion reforms, improve financial sector governance, and expand access to finance for underserved populations.
While in Samarkand, Mr. Kanda met with Governor Adiz Boboev where they discussed preparations for the upcoming ADB Annual Meeting and shared their ambition for a successful event. Mr. Kanda next visited the Silk Road Complex, which will serve as the main venue for the Annual Meeting, expected to bring together several thousand participants from governments, the private sector, academia, media, and civil society.
Mr. Kanda, along with Mr. Khodjaev, inaugurated the expanded Uzbekistan Resident Mission in Tashkent. The upgraded premises will enhance ADB’s in-country engagement and support more effective operational delivery. Later they co-hosted a reception attended by more than 100 government officials, development partners, and private sector clients to celebrate 30 years of partnership.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
