On September 22 this year, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan S. Umurzakov negotiated with President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) B. Hajjar via video-conferencing.

During negotiations, the parties discussed further cooperation to ensure effective protection of the population during a pandemic, improve the healthcare system of Uzbekistan in order to improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment of infected people, as well as restore the economy after a global pandemic.

The IDB President noted the high level of international recognition of an effective strategy to counter the pandemic and maintain macroeconomic stability implemented under the authority of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Here, B. Hajjar expressed the IDB's readiness to provide comprehensive support to Uzbekistan in combating the spread of coronavirus and providing the necessary assistance to the population using the Strategic Preparedness and Response Package (totaling USD 2.3 billion) to finance the procurement of medical equipment and supplies for specialized clinics. In particular, the parties considered the prospect to redirect the part of the Package's funds for the purchase of a centralized oxygen supply system in order to meet the needs of lung ventilators operated in the country.

The negotiations also touched upon the organization and holding of the 46th Annual Meeting of the IDB Board of Governors in 2021 in Uzbekistan The event will attract the attention of foreign business circles and the international community to the reforms in Uzbekistan, as well as it will provide expansion of multifaceted cooperation with the IDB Group.

The negotiations resulted in agreement to activate interaction in all designated areas and establish close cooperation in preparation to the Annual Meeting of the IDB Board of Governors in Uzbekistan.