Uzbekistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached an agreement to continue cooperation in the areas of economic reforms, public financial management, and enhancing fiscal policy effectiveness.
The discussion took place on October 16, 2026, in Bangkok during a meeting between Jamshid Kuchkarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, and Jihad Azur, Director of the IMF's Department for the Middle East and Central Asia. This meeting was reported by the Information Service and the Communications Department of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan.
The negotiations were held parallel to the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. Participants also included Thanos Arvanitis, Deputy Director of the IMF department, Nodirbek Ochilov, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, Jasur Karshibayev, advisor to the Minister of Economy and Finance, as well as other government representatives.
The parties reviewed current economic and financial trends in Uzbekistan, the country's medium-term prospects, and opportunities for further expanding interaction with the fund. Special attention was paid to supporting the economic reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan.
Participants exchanged views on improving public financial management and increasing the efficiency of fiscal policy. A significant part of the discussion was dedicated to developing tools for analyzing public expenditures, as well as improving budget forecasting and planning, with the IMF providing technical support in assessing the socio-economic impact of fiscal decisions.
Other areas of cooperation included privatization and transformation of state enterprises, pension system reform, improvement of customs and tax administration, and enhancing the effectiveness of monetary policy. At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue developing mutually beneficial cooperation and discuss the issues raised.
