AKIPRESS.COM - Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President Wencai Zhang today met with Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, the ADB reports.

Mr. Zhang reiterated ADB’s support for the government’s development agenda and expressed confidence in the country’s economic prospects.

Mr. Zhang’s visit to Uzbekistan included meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister Djamshid Kuchkarov, Minister of Finance and ADB Governor Batir Khodjaev, and other senior officials to discuss ADB operations and future directions of its partnership with Uzbekistan.

During discussions with Prime Minister Aripov, Mr. Zhang congratulated the government on its recently approved medium-term national development strategy and successful foreign exchange reforms.

During the visit, Mr. Zhang witnessed the signing of an $80 million loan agreement for Pap-Namangan-Andijan railway electrification project. The project will electrify 145.1 kilometers of non-electrified track linking major cities in the Fergana Valley with the capital. This will facilitate direct and efficient operation of freight and passenger train services, and promote economic and social development in the Fergana Valley.