Islamic Development Bank to allocate nearly $300 million in Uzbekistan
The Islamic Development Bank will allocate about $ 300 million to improve education and road infrastructure in Uzbekistan . A total of 58 schools based on inclusive education requirements will be built under the grant agreements. The A-373 highway passing through Syrdarya region will also be reconstructed.
Uzbekistan has signed two grant agreements with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to finance projects to improve education and road infrastructure in the country, the press service of the Ministry of Economy and Finance reports.
On February 16, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov met with IDB President Muhammad Al Jasser in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, the parties discussed the development of transport infrastructure and education in Uzbekistan, including the implementation of modern projects in them.
In particular, according to the first agreement signed, the SmartED project will be implemented, aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of education in the country. The bank will allocate $ 160.25 million for this.
The project will build a total of 58 comprehensive secondary schools across the country based on the requirements of inclusive education. Classrooms will be equipped with laboratory equipment, digital technology, and furniture. The document also provides for updating textbooks, improving teacher training programs, revising assessment methodologies, and covering all schoolchildren with an inclusive education system by 2026.
The second agreement signed stipulates the reconstruction and modernization of the A-373 highway, which passes through the Okoltin, Mirzaabad and Sardoba districts of the Syrdarya region. $ 138.8 million will be allocated for this.
To meet the transport demands, the 37 km long section of the road will be expanded to four lanes. This is expected to reduce travel time to 30 minutes by 2030 and reduce accidents by about 40 percent. It was noted that the implementation of the project will improve transport links between the regions and neighboring countries, and help develop trade and tourism.
"These agreements reaffirm IDB's commitment to sustainable development, economic growth, and infrastructure development in Uzbekistan," the bank said in a statement.
