From April 22-25 this year, as part of the annual spring meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, representatives of the National Statistics Committee traveled to the USA to discuss cooperation with several major international financial organizations.
On April 22, the Chairman of the National Statistics Committee met with Stefan Schweinfest, the Director of the UN Statistics Department, to discuss matters such as improving the statistical system in Uzbekistan, implementing advanced foreign practices in the field, and conducting population and agricultural censuses.
Stefan Schweinfest acknowledged that Uzbekistan became a member of the UN Statistical Commission for the first time for the period 2026-2029.
Bilateral cooperation matters were discussed with Haishan Fu, the World Bank's Chief Statistician and Director of the Data Development Group, Carol Baker, Deputy Director of the IMF Statistics Department, and Yevgeniy Zhukov, Director General of the Asian Development Bank's Central and West Asia Regional Office.
In particular, discussions were held on several key issues, including: developing the National Strategy for Statistical Development for 2026-2030 in collaboration with the World Bank; achieving higher results in the "Statistical Performance Index"; transforming the National Statistical Committee, specifically by harmonizing and improving methodologies in line with the principles and recommendations of international organizations; and enhancing the qualifications of staff members.
Furthermore, an agreement was reached with the Asian Development Bank to implement a $1 million grant project in Uzbekistan to improve statistical data collection.
At the conclusion of the meetings, the parties agreed to expand and further develop mutual cooperation.