The Asian Development Bank finished its 43rd Annual General Meeting in Tashkent, “Uzexpocentre” NEC OJSS in May which was expected to draw around 3,000 participants including government leaders, central bank governors and finance ministers, as well as representatives from private sector, academe, media and civil society group. The meeting was provided forum for member countries to tack stock of development progress under Strategy 2020, and to discuss key issues affecting the region. It was also act as an important showcase for the close partnership between ADB and Uzbekistan and for Central Asia as a whole. Headquartered in Manila and established in 1966, ADB is an international development finance institution whose mission is to help its developing member countries in Asia and the Pacific reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people. In August, 1995 Uzbekistan became a member of ADB. In 2009, Uzbekistan utilized the multitranche financing facility for the first time for a water supply and sanitation investment program in the amount of $300 million.