The German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) will provide Uzbekistan with a grant of €9 million for green economic development of regions based on master plans, the Ministry of Economy and Finance reported.
The agreement was signed on April 30 with the participation of First Deputy Minister Ilkhom Norqulov, GIZ Country Director Joachim Fritz, and Project Manager Beate Schoreit. The meeting included representatives from the ministry, GIZ, UzAgrostar holding, and other relevant organizations.
The parties discussed work done and future plans in the field of master plans. It was noted that previous grant funds had been used to develop comprehensive development master plans for 12 districts and implement 24 pilot projects.
Specifically, an agro-tourism complex was established on 500 hectares in the Shahrisabz district. In Amudarya, Chimboy, Bulungur, Kattakurgan, Mirishkor, Khiva, and Khazarasp districts, vocational training centers, intensive fish farming projects, energy-saving heat pumps at social facilities, and IT and handicraft centers were launched. These projects received €1.3 million in grant funding.
The new agreement covers 2026–2029 and includes the development of master plans and financing of green pilot projects. The cooperation envisions the introduction of artificial intelligence and innovative analysis methods, continuation of pilot projects based on master plans for 12 districts, and implementation of new projects in Bakhmal, Boysun, and Sokh districts.
Additionally, training seminars and workshops will be held for project office staff and private sector representatives on developing and implementing master plans. At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to further develop cooperation and systematically implement the set tasks.
GIZ has been implementing several projects in Uzbekistan to develop the green economy. In 2023, it granted €9 million for a project to enhance private sector capacity and provide economic policy advice within green industrialization. In November 2024, an additional €3 million grant was announced for a similar project.
Background: GIZ is an international organization owned by the German federal government, operating in over 130 countries and supporting the German government's goals for sustainable development.
Source: www.gazeta.uz