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Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 5th May 2003
President Lemierre
Honourable Ministers
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen

I am pleased to have the opportunity to join the participants in the Annual Meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Tashkent this year. I would like to thank President Karimov for his gracious welcome. It is with pleasure that I am visiting Uzbekistan again

One main focus of the EBRD's Annual Meeting 2003 in Tashkent was the dialogue with non-governmental organisations and the impact the representatives of civil society have on the Bank's operations.

The Aga Khan today called for new concepts and institutions to create a better future for the people of Central Asia.He called on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other financial institutions to 'look in depth at the problems that should be addressed in supporting non-commercial civil society institutions'.
The Aga Khan, who is the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, was delivering the Jacques de Larosiere Lecture at the EBRD Annual Meeting?s 2003 Business Forum which has brought 2,000 delegates to this Central Asian city.

Creating a sound future for the peoples of Central Asia requires a clear focus on building new concepts and new institutions for new civil societies.'Prince Karim Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, on Wednesday called on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other international financial institutions to 'look in depth at the problems that should be addressed in supporting non-commercial civil society institutions.'

His Highness the Aga Khan, the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and renowned philanthropist, will deliver the traditional Jacques de Larosière Lecture to conclude the 2003 Business Forum at the EBRD's Annual Meeting, to be held in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent 4-5 May.Through the Aga Khan Development Network, as well as philanthropy, the Aga Khan invests extensively in helping people to help themselves.

President Lemierre
Honourable Ministers
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen

I am pleased to have the opportunity to join the participants in the Annual Meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Tashkent this year. I would like to thank President Karimov for his gracious welcome. It is with pleasure that I am visiting Uzbekistan again

Creating a sound future for the peoples of Central Asia requires a clear focus on building new concepts and new institutions for new civil societies.'
His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, today called on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other international financial institutions to 'look in depth at the problems that should be addressed in supporting non-commercial civil society institutions.'

Tashkent: Aga Khan at the Business Forum in Tashkent. In the closing event at the EBRD Business Forum in Tashkent, the Aga Khan spoke of development as a multifaceted process. He stressed that engagement must be 'permanent and localised'. President Lemierre not only thanked the Aga Khan for sharing his thoughts and experiences with the Bank, but also echoed his remarks: 'Banking is not only about money', he said. It is also about development, poverty alleviation, and the support of civil society.