A strategic partnership between global financial expertise and Central Asian ambition is taking shape as Uzbekistan charts an ambitious course to revolutionize its public procurement landscape. On August 15, 2025, Sarvar Nazarov, Director of the Public Procurement Policy Department at Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, sat down with Zhentu Liu, the newly appointed leader of the World Bank’s Central Asia Public Procurement Group, to map out a comprehensive transformation strategy that promises to reshape how the country conducts government business.
The high-level meeting revealed the scope of an evolving partnership that extends far beyond routine bureaucratic cooperation. Both parties conducted a thorough review of joint projects implemented throughout 2025 and identified priority areas for collaboration in developing and implementing new initiatives for the current year and 2026. This isn’t merely about fine-tuning existing processes — it represents a fundamental reimagining of how Uzbekistan’s government engages with the private sector.
Manufacturing and Small Business Integration Strategy
The conversation revealed particularly keen attention to developing projects that support manufacturing enterprises, including small businesses, within the government procurement system. The approach emphasizes leveraging cutting-edge international experience and bringing in foreign experts — a clear signal that Uzbekistan is serious about adopting global best practices rather than relying solely on domestic solutions.
Expert research initiatives emerged as another focal point, designed to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness and performance of the existing procurement system. These studies will incorporate modern contract management practices, drawing from international experience and involving global specialists — an approach that suggests Uzbekistan is preparing for a systematic overhaul rather than piecemeal reforms.
Technical Support and Capacity Building Framework
The World Bank demonstrated concrete commitment by expressing readiness to provide technical support in establishing a continuous professional development and certification system for specialists at the Training Center under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This represents a long-term investment in human capital that will ensure sustainable implementation of procurement reforms.
The discussion encompassed multiple modernization fronts: improving management and control of government procurement, implementing effective monitoring mechanisms, developing anti-corruption measures and prevention strategies, introducing a centralized procurement system, automating procurement processes through artificial intelligence technologies, and promoting green procurement practices.
Roadmap Development and Future Engagement
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to develop a planned roadmap for the current and subsequent years, while also committing to expand the practice of regular online consultations and joint expert discussions. This structured approach suggests that the partnership will involve ongoing collaboration rather than sporadic project-based engagement.
For international companies operating in manufacturing, construction, and related sectors, these developments signal a fundamental shift in how Uzbekistan’s government will conduct business. The emphasis on international best practices, anti-corruption measures, and systematic modernization creates a more predictable and transparent business environment. Companies specializing in construction materials, manufacturing equipment, technology solutions, and professional services should find expanded opportunities as the government implements more sophisticated procurement processes. The integration of AI technologies and green procurement practices also opens doors for companies offering sustainable solutions and digital transformation services. Most significantly, the focus on supporting small businesses within the procurement system suggests that international partners looking to establish local manufacturing or assembly operations may find a more accommodating regulatory framework, potentially making Uzbekistan a more attractive destination for foreign investment in manufacturing and industrial development.
