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A high-level international forum “Transformation and privatization of state-owned enterprises: a new stage of economic reforms” was held in Tashkent, UZ Daily reported.

It is organized by the State Assets Management Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan (UzSAMA) and the World Bank. The goal is to discuss ongoing reforms, assess the state of affairs and tasks for the future. The participants are formed from the heads of the Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction, the Ministry of Finance, UzSAMA, representatives of the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the International Monetary Fund, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, UNDP, as well as state enterprises, private sector and civil society.

Head of the World Bank Office in Uzbekistan Marco Mantovanelli and Vice President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia Anna Bjerde greeted the delegates.

The forum’s program was opened by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Jamshid Kuchkarov. He emphasized:

– The government has set a specific goal – to increase GDP per capita from the current 1,700 USD to 2,500 USD by 2025 and to 4,200 USD by 2030. This will require high and sustained growth rates of 6-7 percent per year. To ensure such dynamics, it is necessary to drastically reduce the presence of the state in the economy and launch the transformation of state-owned enterprises, as well as the privatization of state assets. According to Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures to further accelerate the privatization of state assets” dated the February of this year, the number of SOEs will decrease by 75% over five years. In this context, the qualified practical assistance of international organizations is invaluable, hence, we would like to express our gratitude on behalf of the government of the country.