Juan Miranda, Director General of Asian Development Bank\'s Central and West Asia Department, started two-day visit to Uzbekistan on 18 January 2007.

Mr Miranda will hold negotiations with the Uzbek authorities and discusses perspectives of cooperation between the country and the ADB.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance. Established in 1966, it is owned by 64 members - 46 from the region. In 2005, it approved loans and grants for projects totaling US$6.95 billion, and technical assistance amounting to US$198.8 million.

Uzbekistan joined ADB in 1995 and the country\'s subscribed capital in the bank is 0.674%. The voting power of Uzbekistan in the bank makes up 0.843%.