The article provides information on the transformation and transition processes underway in the COA of Uzbekistan to auditing based on international standards.

As noted in the article, recent reforms in Uzbekistan demonstrate how a Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) can transition toward risk-based, assurance-oriented financial audits aligned with international standards. This experience provides a practical model for strengthening country systems and expanding the role of SAIs in overseeing projects supported by international financial institutions (IFI). 

The article notes that in 2025 the COA conducted its first financial audit of project financial statements for an internationally financed operation—the Rural Roads Resilience Sector Project, financed by ADB and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

This pilot project was an important step in identifying institutional capacity, improving methodologies, and shaping future strategies for engaging the national SAI in the audit of financial statements of operations financed by international financial institutions.

ADB recommends that replicating Uzbekistan’s experience in other DMCs (Developing member countries) requires three foundations:

- a clear legal mandate authorizing SAI-led financial audits of IFI-financed projects;

- structured institutional capacity development; and

- well-defined communication protocols with stakeholders.

ADB also emphasized that the COA of Uzbekistan has significantly expanded its mandate and institutional capacity in recent years. The COA has joined INTOSAI and ASOSAI, implementing financial, compliance, and performance audit functions. 

The ADB article also notes that these reforms have strengthened the COA’s compliance with international standards and enabled it to fulfill its obligations, including financial audits of investment projects financed from external sources.

The full text of the article can be read at the following link.

https://development.asia/insight/strengthening-supreme-audit-institutions-lessons-uzbekistan