The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been appointed as a transaction advisor to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Preschool and School Education and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This appointment aims to facilitate the establishment of high-quality preschool education through public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, and Tashkent regions.

This initiative builds on ADB’s existing advisory services for the development of 100 preschools in the Samarkand region. Collectively, the projects in all five regions aim to establish up to 500 preschools, with around 100 in each region, potentially benefiting approximately 75,000 students. These efforts align with Uzbekistan’s Strategy 2030, which seeks to enhance the country’s education system.

ADB’s role includes project preparation, structuring, and assistance in procuring private partners to implement the projects. The advisory support aims to incorporate best practices in the management and operation of preschools to improve the quality and sustainability of early childhood education.

According to ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan Kanokpan Lao-Araya, the projects are part of ADB’s broader strategy to support private sector development in Uzbekistan. The bank has previously supported PPP initiatives in various sectors, including education, health, renewable energy, utilities, waste management, and water.

ADB has extensive experience in developing PPP markets in Uzbekistan and will work with both the government and private sector to strengthen their capacity to implement such partnerships effectively.

Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, with 49 from the Asia-Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to fostering economic growth and reducing poverty across the region through sustainable development initiatives.