On October 19 this year, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade hosted a ceremony of presenting the Dustlik Order to S. Chakrabarti, who served as President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) from July 2012 to July 2020.

Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan S. Umurzakov headed the ceremony.­

The relevant Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed on July 9 this year noted the merits of Suma Chakrabarti 'in establishing strategic partnership and expanding multifaceted cooperation' between Uzbekistan and the EBRD.

Besides, the document emphasized the contribution of S. Chakrabarti 'to increase the efficiency of the program of social and commercial reforms, as well as to intensify the support of a favorable investment climate and business environment in the Republic'.

It's also worth noting that since October 1 this year, S. Chakrabarti took an office for an adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on economic development, effective management and international cooperation.

During the ceremony, S. Chakrabarti expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan: 'I'm twice swelling with pride. Firstly, it is a great honor for me to be awarded such a high award, and secondly, I am extremely glad that I have a practical opportunity to contribute to the reform program of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan as his adviser. I'm ready to do my best to further develop Uzbekistan and strengthen its image on a global stage'.

The ceremony resulted in an exchange of views on the prospects for further cooperation and priority tasks under upcoming cooperation.