Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov met with World Bank Vice President for Human Development Mamta Murthi as part of his working trip to Washington (USA). Press service of the Cabinet reported.
One of the important topics of the meeting was the introduction of digital technologies in all spheres of human life. The parties discussed the possibility of additional financial assistance.
They confirmed the convergence of their positions on the development of digital skills as an indispensable condition for human existence in the modern world.
The parties discussed the status of current and planned projects implemented in Kyrgyzstan in the economic sector, banking, education and social development, digitalization. They paid special attention to the theme of the spring meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund — the roadmap for the evolution of the World Bank, a set of initiatives to reform the WB Group.
Akylbek Japarov expressed general support for the proposed reforms, adding the need to include climate change and pandemic preparedness issues in the World Bank mission, update the WB operating model, and increase financial assistance to «client countries».
The head of the Cabinet noted that Kyrgyzstan would need a larger amount of «direct support».
It will be aimed at stimulating the economy of the republic, eliminating the negative consequences of the pandemic on human capital, giving a new impetus to economic ties and common markets at the regional level. In addition, Akylbek Japarov suggested the bank to consider development of mechanisms for converting external debt into green and climate initiatives.
«Such mechanisms would allow developing countries, on the one hand, to finance projects on green and climate sustainability, and on the other hand, to ensure a stable debt situation,» the head of the Cabinet said.
In turn, the Vice President of the World Bank noted significant progress in increasing financial support for the education and health sector in Kyrgyzstan.
«A significant increase in the budget for the development of education and healthcare is noteworthy, effective measures are being taken for social support based on a social contract,» said Mamta Murthy.
She also informed the head of the Cabinet about the preparation of a new project and financial assistance from the World Bank for the development of higher education in the country. It will be a continuation of the current sector support.
The World Bank is already implementing the project «Education for the Future», aimed at improving the preparation of children for school. It is expected that the project for the modernization of higher education will be approved by the bank within a few months.
