Nirmala Sitharaman's Uzbekistan Visit to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Attend AIIB Annual Meeting

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on a five-day visit to Uzbekistan, attending the AIIB Annual Meeting and engaging in bilateral talks. The visit aims to enhance economic cooperation through the signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty and participation in a business forum.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will begin a five-day official visit to Uzbekistan on Tuesday. Accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Finance, she will attend the Ninth Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Samarkand, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Sitharaman's agenda also includes bilateral meetings with counterparts from Uzbekistan, Qatar, China, and the AIIB President, according to a statement from the Ministry of Finance.

Sitharaman will represent India as its Governor to the AIIB. India, the second-largest shareholder of the bank, will partake in discussions covering a wide array of global development issues. The AIIB Annual Meeting, attended by delegations from about 80 countries and various international organizations, focuses on sustainable infrastructure development and investment in Asia to promote economic growth and improve infrastructure connectivity.

Part of the official visit involves a meeting with Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Additionally, Sitharaman will sign a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with the Uzbekistan Minister for Investment, Industry, and Trade. The treaty seeks to boost economic cooperation for the long-term benefit of both nations. Sitharaman will also take part in the joint India-Uzbekistan Business Forum, visit Samarkand State University, and interact with the Indian diaspora.

(With inputs from agencies.)