Uzbekistan benefits from German technologies on the path to climate neutrality

On 16 May, around 60 Uzbek PG alumni met with representatives of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan (CCIU), the Business School under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan and the German business community at a networking event organised by Partnering in Business with Germany in Tashkent.

24.05.2024

Alice Wolken, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Uzbekistan, opened the event saying: “The special thing about Partnering in Business with Germany is that it enables Uzbek and German business representatives to get directly into contact with one another and work together closely, with both sides benefiting economically from this cooperation. This is foreign trade policy at its best!”

Manuel Palz, Deputy Head of Division at the BMWK ©GIZ/Arlan Baykhodjaev

The focus of the event was on the green economy. Manuel Palz, Deputy Head of Division at the BMWK, spoke about the challenges that the German government and companies are facing in implementing Germany’s green transformation and described how the green transformation process is also having an impact on the programme. He presented examples of how Uzbek companies benefit from German technological developments and how German technologies can contribute to climate neutrality in Uzbekistan.

Partnering in Business with Germany offers group programmes on this topic with a focus on key branches of industry. Uzbek entrepreneurs get the opportunity to learn more about innovative climate technologies and on how to advance green solutions in their countries by participating in an industry group focusing on green technologies. Rustam Gulyamov, Head of the Business School’s Green Economy project office, is convinced that such programmes are very important because “Uzbekistan is facing many challenges when it comes to implementing the green economy and not every Uzbek company yet understands the requirements and difficulties associated with sustainability”.

Jamil Maksudi, Business Development Director of Oqsaroy Group ©GIZ/Arlan Baykhodjaev

Jamil Maksudi, Director of Business Development at Oqsaroy Group, who took part in the 2023 Green Economy industry group, was impressed by the green mindset of the German entrepreneurs. “It’s amazing to see how much time and effort they put into making their businesses greener and cleaner,” Maksudi said reflecting on his participation in the programme.

Uzbekistan is currently implementing comprehensive economic reforms, including a green transformation of its economy and industry. The Uzbek economy is currently dominated by agriculture and manufacturing. The most important sectors include metal extraction and processing, food, textiles and automobiles. Ensuring an efficient industry is of major importance in order to reduce carbon emissions, achieve higher added value and create jobs. The share of renewables in electricity generation in Uzbekistan is set to increase from 7 per cent in 2021 to 25 per cent in 2026. Foreign investors are setting up or planning to build many PV and wind farms. The investments go hand in hand with the modernisation of the electricity transmission networks and power grid in Uzbekistan.

Yuliya Bulgakova, Managing Director of LLC Premium Vision ©GIZ/Arlan Baykhodjaev

German companies are in a good position to contribute their services and technologies to Uzbekistan’s transition to a carbon-neutral economy. In addition to the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, German companies can also bring in their expertise and experience in the initial and further training of energy experts and on legal framework conditions and financing instruments. There is also a need for investment and advice in the field of electricity transmission and distribution.

Since 2006, more than 500 entrepreneurs have completed the Partnering in Business with Germany partnership programme. During the networking event, former programme participants presented their successful experiences, including Yuliya Bulgakova, Managing Director of LLC Premium Vision. The company specialises in the import and distribution of spectacle lenses, frames and finished spectacle frames. Ms Bulgakova said: “Partnering in Business with Germany has changed my life. After taking part in the programme, I left my job and set up my own company”. A few days before the event, Yuliya Bulgakova signed a contract for the exclusive distribution of Carl Zeiss products in Uzbekistan. She is also planning to cooperate with the Charité hospital to enable Uzbek citizens to receive eye treatment at the renowned German clinic.

Teaser picture: ©GIZ/Arlan Baykhodjaev