Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 11 June, ahead of the third meeting of the Foreign Investors Council, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), led by EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso.

The meeting focused on deepening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the EBRD, a highly regarded international financial institution. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral cooperation. The total volume of EBRD investments in the Uzbek economy has exceeded €5.5 billion, and an additional €1.1 billion is expected this year, with a significant portion allocated to supporting private entrepreneurship.

The successful implementation of the current Partnership Strategy was emphasized, particularly the EBRD’s active role in the transformation of Uzbekistan’s banking sector.

President Mirziyoyev underscored the need to enhance the effectiveness of joint efforts and outlined priority areas for future cooperation. These include the technological modernization of water supply systems, implementation of energy efficiency programs, development of the mortgage market, strengthening infrastructure in free economic zones, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship.

Particular emphasis was placed on advancing public-private partnership mechanisms, especially in healthcare and education, as well as fostering innovative startups focused on artificial intelligence and digital transformation solutions.

The two sides also exchanged views on key issues to be discussed at the upcoming Foreign Investors Council meeting.