TASHKENT, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan is making firm progress implementing challenging economic reforms to support growth and developing opportunities for citizens, said Cyril Muller, the World Bank vice president for Europe and central Asia, on Thursday.

Muller, in Uzbekistan on Tuesday and Wednesday, met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and other senior government and parliamentary officials to discuss the ongoing efforts to build a successful market economy, reform state institutions, expand citizen engagement, improve health and education, and modernize the country's large agriculture sector.

"Broad economic reforms are helping promote greater transparency and accountability, leading to better public services for citizens," said Muller during his visit.

"Continued reforms in the business environment, the banking, financial and energy sectors, land and agriculture and especially health and education will boost private sector investments, create jobs -- especially for young people -- and help the country achieve sustainable economic growth," he added.

The World Bank is supporting Uzbekistan through the implementation of 19 projects, totaling over 3.32 billion U.S. dollars.

These projects contribute to the implementation of macroeconomic reforms, the improvement of agriculture and water resources management, energy, transport, healthcare, education, urban development, water supply and sanitation services, and support the country's economic growth.