The Ministry of Finance of Uzbekistan published a readout of discussions with the World Bank on private sector and employment initiatives, centered on the next stage of the Small Business and Jobs Coalition and the status of the FINGROW and SaBIIT projects. The talks focused on support for small and medium-sized businesses, export-oriented firms, investment attraction and the creation of quality jobs, particularly for young people. The Small Business and Jobs Coalition is being formed with international financial institutions, public bodies and private sector participants to coordinate programs and resources, avoid duplication and improve the effectiveness of reforms for small and medium-sized businesses. Under FINGROW, the parties reviewed plans to expand access to finance through guarantee mechanisms and a fund of funds for innovative, energy-efficient and other promising business initiatives. SaBIIT was discussed as a concept to support high-growth startups, new exporters and firms ready to modernize, with the aim of raising productivity and integration into global value chains. The meeting also covered the World Bank's B-READY subnational study on regional business practices, including construction permitting, international trade and property registration, as well as broader issues around digital technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and higher value-added production.

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