Speaking on the outcome of the cooperation with the WB in the past year, Takuya Kamata said: ‘The World Bank is assisting the Republic of Uzbekistan in the further development of the economy. We provide financial support and technical advice in such areas as irrigation, drinking water supply, implementation of energy-saving technologies, maternal and primary healthcare.

Together with the Government of Uzbekistan, the World Bank has contributed to the creation of new marketing channels for cotton producers. Initially, assistance was provided to farmers of only five districts, and currently the project covers 90 districts. Today, these farmers sell cotton fiber on a new system approved by the government of Uzbekistan. It should also be noted that nearly 450 new farmers have received loans and could buy machinery and equipment, more than 5,000 farmers got a good profit thanks to the improvement of the irrigation system.

As for prospects, I should mention that as the head of the World Bank in Uzbekistan I will focus on further development of partnership with Uzbekistan in the priority areas of our cooperation.

In the future, the World Bank is ready to continue support for the economic growth as the country possesses great potential and could become one of the key industrial centers of the continent, as well as a trade and transport link. All this is possible due to the vast opportunities of introducing advanced technologies and highly qualified professionals.

The year 2011 in Uzbekistan has been as the Year of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Small businesses and entrepreneurs are key ingredients of economic growth, income and employment. The World Bank plans to contribute to the development of small businesses in Uzbekistan through cooperation in various fields.

I hope this year many families living in Uzbekistan will realize their dreams.’