TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 27. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Uzbekistan's Republican Commission on enhancing the role of women in society, gender equality, and family and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Trend reports.
The document was signed during a meeting between Tanzila Narbayeva, chairperson of Uzbekistan's Parliament Senate, and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso during her working visit to London.
The Memorandum aims to increase possibilities for women in the labor market, achieve gender balance in employment, improve access to credit resources, and increase financial independence.
During the discussion, the parties expressed delight that the 32nd annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's Board of Governors was held effectively in Samarkand last May.
The event provided a crucial forum for broad discussion and the formulation of suggestions for the global economy's long-term development, emphasizing that in the last six years, Uzbekistan-EBRD collaboration has achieved a qualitatively new level.
Currently, the bank's project portfolio in the country exceeds 4 billion euros. The EBRD is funding essential projects aimed at enhancing the population's well-being and creating new jobs.
Uzbekistan has emerged as one of the bank's five major partners, as well as the EBRD's largest corporate partner in Central Asia in terms of yearly investment.
During the discussion, the parties reviewed the direction of joint projects between Uzbekistan and the EBRD.
Thus, as part of the Bank's strategy for Uzbekistan, it was proposed to create a program to support youth, with a focus on their participation in scientific activities, the creation of innovative activities, and the promotion of business and entrepreneurship.
Odile Renaud-Basso emphasized that the recently approved EBRD Country Strategy for Uzbekistan for 2024-2029 is fully in line with the "Uzbekistan 2030" Strategy, which reflects such priorities as the green economy, inclusiveness, gender equality, and digitalization identified by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In addition, taking into account that gender equality matters are a priority of state policy, the prospects of cooperation on vocational training of women in rural areas and the formation of entrepreneurial skills have been considered jointly with the EBRD.