BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 22. The European Bank
for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the government of
Uzbekistan have signed a new Enhanced Partnership Framework
Agreement (EPFA) to deepen their long-term strategic
cooperation.
This is reflected in an official statement issued by the
EBRD.
“The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and
the government of Uzbekistan have agreed to deepen their long-term
strategic cooperation, helping to establish a competitive,
resilient, green and well-governed private sector and supporting
the preparation and implementation of public-sector projects,” the
statement says.
According to the bank, the newly established framework will
systematically promote sustainable economic development across the
republic through a combination of tailored investment instruments,
grants, targeted technical assistance, and active policy
dialogue.
In addition to large-scale public and private sector development
initiatives, the two parties concluded a separate cooperation
agreement designed to deliver earmarked technical cooperation and
advisory support to local businesses.
“The government of Uzbekistan will commit up to $20 million of
grant funding for this purpose, which will be supported by
additional funding from the EBRD,” the financial institution
emphasized, noting that the joint facility will specifically assist
domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
To date, the EBRD has invested nearly $6.9 billion
(approximately 6 billion euros) in Uzbekistan through 210
individual projects, with the vast majority of these funds
supporting private entrepreneurship initiatives. Supported by
robust domestic market reforms, the country has successfully
maintained its status as the leading recipient of EBRD funding
across the Central Asian region for each of the past six
consecutive years.
Earlier in an exclusive interview with Trend the bank’s representative told that micro,
small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Uzbekistan continue
to face persistent challenges in accessing finance and developing
entrepreneurial skills.
A source noted that strategic partnerships with local financial
institutions, such as Davr Bank, are a key component of the EBRD’s
approach to addressing these barriers. Through medium-term local
currency loans and tailored advisory services delivered under the
Advice for Small Businesses program, the EBRD facilitates outreach
to underserved regions and segments.
“These collaborations are designed to promote financial
inclusion, support the formalization of MSMEs, and foster
sustainable, regionally balanced growth, which are fully aligned
with the Bank’s transition mandate and country strategy,”
emphasized a bank representative.
