The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been supporting the development of Uzbekistan since 1998, following the country’s independence in the early 1990s. From 1998 through the end of 2009, ADB approved 30 loans totaling $1.3 billion for projects and programs in Uzbekistan, averaging about $108 million annually. In 2010, when ADB held its annual general meeting in Uzbekistan’s capital – Tashkent- ADB approved financing for four projects totaling $656 million. ADB’s support covered eight sectors from 1998 to 2009, but focused mostly on agriculture (27%), education (23%), transport (21%), and water supply (15%). At the end of 2009, ADB’s portfolio of active loans totaled $792.4 million, financing 19 projects and programs over seven sectors.

This country assistance program evaluation for Uzbekistan assesses ADB’s assistance, identifies factors affecting ADB’s performance, and draws lessons and recommendations for improving ADB’s future performance. This is the second country assistance program evaluation for Uzbekistan covering ADB’s support from 2002 to the end of 2009.