The ADB will provide Uzbekistan with a $250 million loan to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and other green reforms.

The funds will be allocated to reforms in three areas: public financial management, enhancing climate resilience, and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy in transportation and energy. This will be the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) first programmatic measure to combat climate change in Central Asia.

"The program prioritizes the decarbonization of the economy and increasing resilience to natural disasters and climate change, while also supporting vulnerable populations," noted ADB's Director General for Central and West Asia, Evgeny Zhukov.

According to him, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will be achieved through the development of renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency.

"Uzbekistan's water resources are under severe threat due to climate change and inefficient usage. The program supports the enactment of legislation that promotes investments in modernizing irrigation systems and smart water resource management considering climate change to ensure water security and combat the accelerating desertification that jeopardizes fragile ecosystems," added the ADB's Country Director in Uzbekistan, Kanokpan Lao-Arai.

Uzbekistan joined the ADB in 1995. Since then, the bank has provided the country with loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $12.5 billion.