BAKU, Azerbaijan, Nov. 6
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
Reforms to privatize and transform Uzbekistan's state-owned enterprises will bring big dividends to the country in the long term, said World Bank Group (WBG) President David Malpass during a videoconference with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov, Trend reports.
The mentioned topic was discussed within the framework of the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the WBG and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The parties also discussed the current economic situation in Uzbekistan and important socio-economic reforms carried out by the government at present.
The Uzbek side noted the contribution of the WBG to the implementation of the reform program through the provision of appropriate financial and technical assistance.
The President of the WBG was informed about the current economic situation, as well as the expected results of GDP growth in 2020, as well as forecasts for the development of the national economy in 2021.
The parties also exchanged views on macroeconomic policy, in particular, the government's measures taken this year with the aim of fiscal stimulus and management of budgetary processes.
In addition, the Uzbek side informed the president of the WBG about the measures being taken to ensure openness and transparency in the use of public financial resources, including foreign loans, as well as key areas of ongoing reforms in the near future.
The parties reviewed the progress made by the government in reforming agriculture, energy, and social protection systems, as well as the efforts it is making in the field of poverty reduction in Uzbekistan.
Malpass reaffirmed the WBG's readiness to continue supporting reforms, including through technical and financial assistance as part of the WBG-Uzbekistan partnership strategy 2021-2025, which will help the government achieve concrete results in various socio-economic areas over the next five years.
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