Since 1993, UNDP has been supporting the development priorities of Uzbekistan, and has made a particular emphasis on development issues of the regions. From April 5 – 6, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Ms. Matilda Dimovska visited Khorezm region to participate in the International Investment Forum, to observe the progress of UNDP initiatives and learn about areas for further development.

UNDP focuses on the development of Khorezm and attracting investments to the region

UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Ms. Matilda Dimovska took part in the opening ceremony of the International Investment Forum, aimed to familiarizethe international business community with socio-economic development of the region, conditions and preferences created for foreign investors.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Matilda Dimovska noted that as long-standing partner of Uzbekistan, UNDP’s work on regional development includes the initiatives that support use of development opportunities that exist in regions. Thus, improving the competitiveness of the regions.

“Examples of our joint work include: support to the formulation of the Khorezm Region Development Strategy, carried out under our joint project with the Senate of Oliy Majlis and the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade. The draft Khorezm region development strategy is expected to be finalized soon and offered for public discussion”,added Ms. Matilda Dimovska.

UNDP also assists regions with promoting their investment potential. A number of investment guideshave been created on the investment potential of Karakalpakstan, Kuyichirchik district of Tashkent region, and Kashkadarya. Currently, UNDP along with national partners are creating investment guides for Surkhandarya and Syrdarya regions, as well as a comprehensive guide‘Invest in Uzbekistan.’

As part of the International Investment Forum’s agenda and to familiarize with the investment potential of the region, the UNDP Resident Representative visited a number of facilities in Shavat district of the Khorezm region, including the hosiery manufacturer ‘KATQAL'A-TEKS’, yarn manufacturing enterprise ‘UZTEX SHOVOT’ under ‘UztexGroup’, one of the largest exporters of textile products with a market reach to more than 45 countries, and an exemplary cattle farm that breeds cows, including those imported from Europe.

Improving water supply for farmers and population

During her visit to Khorezm region, Ms. Matilda Dimovska also visited two pumping stations with an energy supply system at the Buzkala Water Users Association in Yangibazar District. The joint project of the UNDP and the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan ‘Technical capacity building (Component 2)’ of the EU Programme ‘Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Rural Areas in Uzbekistan’ completed the construction of the stations at the end of 2017.

The local population and farmers warmly greeted Matilda Dimovska and expressed gratitude for UNDP’s assistance. Installation of the pumps, in 2018 alone, helped to preserve crops on an area of ​​1,000 hectares of farm land and household plots of 5,000 people.

She also visited hydrometer bridges for measuring water on the Eski Daryalik canal. The construction of four gauging stations, which includes hydraulic bridges with fixed concrete beds, as well as the repair of five hydraulic bridges, helped to improve water measuring.

The next stop of her visit was the section of the Daryalik-Arna canal, where the project plans to build a unified power supply system for 17 pumping stations. In total, a 10 km section will be covered, which will ensure equitable distribution of water and improve the water supply of farm fields and household plots located in the terminal part of this canal.

Khokim of Yangibazar district Uktam Masharipov thanked UNDP for its support with improving the water supply of the area.

UNDP-supported enterprises improve the well-being of local populationin Khorezm region

As part of her visit to the region, Ms. Matilda Dimovska stopped by Farogat Saydullaeva’s sewing enterprise. This enterprise is well known in Urgench not only for its reasonable prices, good quality products, but also for its inclusive work environment. Starting from the first day of its operation, the ‘Urgench Milliy Tikuvchilik’ enterprise has provided employment for girls and women with disabilities. This place means a lot to them. It is not only a source of income, but also a place where they can communicate with others, improve their skills, and realize their potential.

In 2013, with support from UNDP’s ‘Business Forum of Uzbekistan’ project and ‘Sasol’, Farogat Saydullaevawas able to expand her enterprise and purchased additional sewing machines. As of today, the company ‘Urgench Milliy Tikuvchilik’ produces more than 30 kinds of products, including traditional clothing, linens and other home accessories.

Similar projects aimed at improving population’s wellbeing, creating new jobs for youth and women, are being implemented by UNDP in other regions of the country. In 2018, UNDP supported more than 180 partners in creating greenhouses, installing drip irrigation, and setting up small production and fish farms.

Negotiations with national partners to identify promising areas of cooperation

During her visit to Khorezm region, Ms. Matilda Dimovska also met with Sardor Umrzakov, Minister for Investment and Foreign Trade, Adham Ikramov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as with Farhod Ermanov, khokim of the Khorezm region. The meetings provided opportunities to discuss initiatives implemented in the framework of joint projects and helped identify areas that need further developmentand support from UNDP.

UNDP activities encompass nearly 170 countries and territories, contributing to raising living standards, reducing inequalities and creating an inclusive society. We help states elaborate development strategies, expand partnership opportunities, create institutional conditions to strengthen and maintain the results achieved.

UNDP’s assistance to Uzbekistan is aimed at achieving common interrelated goals: supporting the government in accelerating reforms in the field of sustainable economic development, effective government, as well as assistance in adapting to climate change and protecting the environment.