Microsoft Word pcr uzb public Finance Management Reform Project Final 7Sept2017. docx

L. 
Performance of the Asian Development Bank 
31. 
ADB’s performance is rated 
satisfactory
. ADB promptly supported an important 
government initiative at appraisal, provided regular inputs and feedback during project 
implementation, and kept regular contact with the PMO and the executing agency. In addition to 
regular portfolio reviews, ADB conducted five missions from loan inception in 2008 to project 
review in July 2012. The midterm review mission was completed late in December 2011–
January 2012. The decision not to rebid the GFMIS package may be questioned but it was 
justified under the circumstances as it allowed the government to save significant resources. 
ADB reviewed bidding and evaluation documents and demonstrated flexibility when changes 
were required to move the project forward. However, there were delays because contract 
packages were changed, procurement procedural differences between the government and 
ADB delayed bid opening, and technical evaluation completion and review were delayed. ADB 
could have been more assertive and required the engagement of a resident long-term IT and 
procurement expert to support PMO building capacity in the executing agency for such complex 
procurement. It would have been better if ADB also continued to support the government by 
approving an additional TA grant to help with PFM reforms after the loan was closed. 
III. 
EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE 
A. 
Relevance 
32. 
The project is 
less than relevant
at completion. The project was not implemented on time, 
and the planned PFM reforms did not occur as planned. The delay in GFMIS procurement 
resulted in delayed benefits to beneficiaries. The project is marginally completed as of June 
2017, as the GFMIS rollout started only in June 2017. The project also deviated from the 
government’s approach to the PFM Reform Strategy, 2007–2018. In addition, the government is 
undergoing changes following its new development strategy of delegating more responsibilities 
to provinces. Evaluating the project’s impact is difficult as the revised strategy, which was 
adopted only in February 2017, is required to accurately evaluate progress to date and devise 
the way forward.
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33. 
ADB’s involvement with the IMF was important in developing the PFM Reform Strategy, 
2007–2018. ADB’s financing of major costs was critical in designing an adequate schedule of 
software requirements and technical specifications that provided a sound basis for procurement. 
The equipment procured helps the government implement its PFM reform strategy and improve 
the country’s economic management, leading to more transparent, effective, and efficient public 
resource management. While the project experienced difficulties, the problems are related more 
to procurement issues and less to the PFM reform.