The Swiss government has initiated a new four-year development program for Uzbekistan and Central Asian countries. In an interview with Kun.uz, Swiss Ambassador to Uzbekistan Konstantin Obolensky emphasized that the program is funded from the Swiss budget as a grant-based assistance, with no expectation of economic or political benefits in return.

The project focuses on two main areas: first, cooperation in water and energy, including water resource management through the “Blue Peace Central Asia” initiative, development of clean energy, energy efficiency, and regional energy trade. The second area involves combating climate change through urban planning regulation and supporting sustainable economic development, such as job creation, aid for young entrepreneurs, and investments in innovation.

Ambassador Obolensky stated that a total of approximately $200 million has been allocated for the entire region over four years. These funds come from the Swiss taxpayers’ budget and include not only financial but also technological expertise. Obolensky claimed, “Our main goal is to make the world safer, as the Swiss people desire. We have no hidden agendas.”

The program is managed by the Swiss government and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. According to Endrin Fink, head of the embassy’s cooperation group, this assistance is part of Switzerland’s constitutional mandate, which for 50 years has supported international development, peace, and human rights. The primary focus in the region is on Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Switzerland’s Central Asia program differs from European Union projects in the region, as it is based on long-term partnership—Switzerland began working here in the early 1990s, shortly after recognizing Uzbekistan’s independence. It is also noted that in 2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Switzerland grew by 84%, reaching $600 million.

Source: kun.uz