Nirmala Sitharaman to Participate in AIIB Annual Meeting and Bilateral Talks in Uzbekistan

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to attend the 9th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Samarkand. During her official visit to Uzbekistan from September 24 to 28, she will engage in bilateral discussions with counterparts from Uzbekistan, Qatar, China, and the AIIB President, as stated by the finance ministry.

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The AIIB Annual Meeting will take place on September 25 and 26. This event attracts delegations from approximately 80 countries and various international organisations. As India's representative to the AIIB, Sitharaman will participate in these discussions. India holds the position of the second-largest shareholder in the bank.

Key Meetings and Agreements

During her visit, Sitharaman is expected to meet Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan. The finance ministry also announced that she will sign a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with Uzbekistan's Minister for Investment, Industry and Trade. This treaty aims to enhance economic cooperation between India and Uzbekistan for mutual long-term benefits.

Sitharaman will also take part in the India-Uzbekistan Business Forum. This forum is jointly organised and attended by industry leaders from both nations. The discussions aim to strengthen business ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Additional Engagements

In addition to her official meetings, Sitharaman will visit Samarkand State University and the Lal Bahadur Shastri Monument in Tashkent. She plans to interact with the Indian diaspora there, engaging with prominent figures from various sectors.

The AIIB focuses on developing sustainable infrastructure across Asia. It promotes investments in infrastructure and other productive sectors to encourage sustainable economic growth, create wealth, and improve connectivity.

The multilateral discussions at the AIIB meeting will cover a wide range of global issues relevant to development agendas. These discussions are crucial for shaping policies that impact infrastructure development worldwide.