The World Bank country office in Uzbekistan has long standing relations with Westminster University in Tashkent. The Bank’s Public Information Center (PIC) exchanges publications with the University library and has a World Bank booth with new arrivals in the reading hall; the Bank specialists deliver presentations on the Bank’s activities in Uzbekistan and present new analytical works. On 17 April 2008 Loup Brefort, the Country Manager for Uzbekistan visited the Westminster University to make a presentation on the World Bank as an institution and its activities in Uzbekistan.

What type of institution the World Bank is, its history, organization and activities worldwide – these and many other issues were discussed at the presentation. Special focus was made to the Bank projects implemented in Uzbekistan and a new Country Assistance Strategy which is currently being developed. The students showed a keen interest to the activities of the Bank in this country, the Bank’s portfolio and the way it is implemented. The presentation was followed by questions/answers session. These are some questions asked by the students: Where does the Bank get the money? How does the Bank ensure targeted use of funds allocated? How to avoid fraud and corruption while implementing Bank projects?

Availing the opportunity of such a gathering of young people Matluba Mukhamedova, the communications specialist, informed the students about the Bank tools and opportunities for youth. The listeners were interested to learn about the World Bank’s global and country office web sites, Essay competition, Global Fund for Youth Investment’s Logo and Slogan Competition and other means to engage youth.