Tashkent, Uzbekistan – The Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan in collaboration with International Finance Corporation hosted the Roundtable discussion on February 29, this year, focusing on the development goals of public-private partnerships (PPPs) as outlined in the ambitious “Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy. The event gathered government officials, experts from local and esteemed international financial institutions, and investors to engage in a meaningful dialogue on enhancing the PPP framework.
Event Overview
The roundtable was designed to address the evolving needs of the PPP landscape in Uzbekistan, considering the latest goals and tasks set forth by the government, recommendations from international financial institutions, and the ongoing amendments to the PPP legislation. The event facilitated a comprehensive exchange of opinions, ideas, and strategies to identify new sectors for PPP projects, with a particular focus on increasing efficiency and advancing the digitalization of the PPP project lifecycle.
Key Speakers and Sessions
During the PPP Roundtable, significant progress in Uzbekistan’s Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) was highlighted, with a remarkable increase in PPP agreements from 312 to 1018, totaling around $17 billion in value since 2022.
The ambitious goals set in the Uzbekistan-2030 strategy, aiming for substantial GDP and per capita income increases, were spotlighted. PPPs are envisioned as key instruments in mobilizing $30 billion by 2030 to enhance public service delivery. Efforts to develop a broad pipeline of PPP projects across various sectors and the establishment of a facility to prepare these projects were acknowledged. The significance of developing sophisticated regulatory and institutional frameworks to attract private sector investment was also underlined.
The discussion emphasized the critical need for a robust fiscal framework to ensure the fiscal sustainability of the PPP program and the integration of PPPs within the country’s larger economic strategy as essential for driving economic growth.
The event featured speakers from leading international organizations and covered a range of topics, including government visions, feedback from international financial institutions, and insights on accelerating project implementation, showcasing the government’s commitment to reform and policy enhancement.
Outcomes and Future Directions
The roundtable concluded with a consensus on the importance of strengthening Uzbekistan’s PPP program to achieve the strategic goals set for 2030. Participants emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the public and private sectors, improved access to financial resources for PPP preparation, and the establishment of a more conducive legal and regulatory environment for PPP projects.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan is committed to implementing the insights and recommendations garnered from the roundtable to spur the development of robust and sustainable PPP projects. This initiative is a testament to Uzbekistan’s dedication to fostering economic growth, innovation, and infrastructure development through effective public-private collaboration.
Following the insightful discussions and presentations at the event, a series of significant agreements were signed, marking a substantial step forward in achieving Uzbekistan’s strategic development goals.
