ADB remains key partner of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Feb. 18 / Trend D.Azizov / The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is one of the key partners of Uzbekistan in implementing reforms and will remain so in the future, president of the ADB Haruhiko Kuroda said while speaking on international conference on issues of education in Tashkent. He said in 2011 Uzbekistan once again demonstrated the high economic growth, which is a remarkable achievement, especially given the uncertainty of the world economy stemming from the ongoing problems in the eurozone. He also noted among the reasons for economic success are high rates of improvement in terms of trade and macroeconomic regulation by the government of Uzbekistan, which is supported by a phased approach to investment and reform. Uzbekistan also achieved significant progress in the economy's diversification, in particular, in industrialization. "Deeply thoughtful and timely investment in education, health, utilities, energy and transport contributes to improvement of productivity and the transformation process, but also benefits the economy and society," Mr Kuroda believes. He also noted attention Uzbekistan pays to regional cooperation - investments of regional nature, most of which are carried out within Central Asian Economic Cooperation. The ADB president reminded that Uzbekistan is the first and the only supplier of electricity to Kabul which receives electricity round-the-clock. The Uzbek railways built and at present manage railway line in Afghanistan. Touching upon education issues Mr Kuroda highly appreciated successes of Uzbekistan in social and human development. He said the country steadily moves to achievement of Millennium goals in terms of ensuring elementary education. "Uzbek model of education is not limited to the erection and upgrading of educational institutions, which themselves are highly qualified. The model is based on the quality of education and takes into account the needs of globalization," the ADB president said. Education is one of the five key areas of the ADB's activities in the implementation of long-term strategy, called "Strategy 2020", and the ADB remains the true supporter of Uzbekistan in education, having approved eight projects for funding schools, teacher training, textbooks and curriculum development in the country's most regions, Mr Kuroda noted. It was reported earlier since the entry of Uzbekistan as a member of ADB in 1995, the Bank approved lending of 35 joint projects in education and health services, modernization of generating capacity and energy infrastructure, rail and road infrastructure, public utilities, agriculture, financial sector, with the total project cost of over $8.6 billion with a share of ADB financing - over $3.8 billion. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az