The country's GDP grew by 8.1 percent year-on-year in January-April 2021 after contracting 3.6 percent in the same period last year.

The International Development Association, part of the World Bank Group, will provide the loan to Uzbekistan's government at a low interest rate.

The project provisionally planned to include two dams on the iconic Rioni river, with a potential capacity of over 400 MW.

Since 2016, Uzbekistan has been improving relations with all its neighbours in the region by opening borders and promoting economic, trade and cultural relations.