During the talks, the ADB President sincerely congratulated the leader of Uzbekistan on the successful holding of the investment forum, which brought together the heads of leading international financial institutions and business representatives.

The parties discussed topical issues of bilateral relations and promising areas for further deepening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and ADB.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed special gratitude to Masatsugu Asakawa for the assistance provided in overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

The sides noted with satisfaction the dynamic development of bilateral cooperation. The project portfolio has doubled in recent years and now exceeds $9 billion.

The technical assistance provided by the bank to the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan, including in the field of ensuring macroeconomic stability, the financial sector, modernizing energy, transport and infrastructure, and unlocking the potential of human capital, was highly appreciated.

At the meeting, special attention was paid to the preparation of a new program of full-scale cooperation between Uzbekistan and ADB.

The parties defined the accelerated introduction of the "green" economy as a priority area of interaction. Major spheres for strengthening collaboration include the development of mechanisms for mixed financing of projects, the expansion of programs to finance business, including women's and youth entrepreneurship, the introduction of effective public-private partnership mechanisms, and support for projects in the field of education and healthcare.