Eco-Industrial Parks Project Advances in Samarkand with a Strategic Mission to FEZ Urgut

Samarkand, Uzbekistan – February 10-14, 2025 – The Eco-Industrial Parks (EIP) Project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through German International Cooperation Society (GIZ) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), continues to make progress in Uzbekistan. A high-level mission to the Free Economic Zone (FEZ) Urgut took place from February 10 to 14, bringing together national and international experts to assess the advancements in EIP implementation and discuss the next steps for resource efficiency, circular economy practices, and renewable energy integration.

The mission was led by Project Manager Tatiana Chernyavskaya, National Project Coordinator Oleg Rijichenko, and included key international experts: Benoit Wuatelet(wastewater management), Branko Dunjic (EIP development), Dick van Beers (EIP concept planning), and Ivan Butuk(photovoltaic assessment). The delegation engaged with FEZ Urgut administration and local businesses to evaluate ongoing efforts in industrial symbiosis and sustainability initiatives within the zone.

Strengthening EIP Planning in FEZ Urgut

One of the mission’s focal points was the EIP Concept Planning Workshop, where international expert shared global best practices and explored tailored approaches for implementing EIP principles in FEZ Urgut. Discussions Discussions centered on the future plans of the FEZ Urgutdevelopment, in line with EIP approach"

Collaboration with GIZ and Industry Stakeholders

Representatives from the GIZ, including Beate Schoreit, Igor Eromenko, and Elbek Shomuratov, joined the mission on the second day for a Coordination Meeting on EIP and RECP Opportunities. The meeting focused on assessing the progress of implementing selected EIP and Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) measures and aligning future actions with the expectations of the FEZ administration and private sector stakeholders.

On-Site Visits to Leading Companies

To gain firsthand insights into sustainability efforts within FEZ Urgut, the mission members conducted site visits to selected industrial players:

● Asia Fiber, a major plastic recycling plant, where discussions focused on waste management and circular economy opportunities.  

● Eco Life Fruits, a company specializing in the production and export of dried fruits, highlighting resource efficiency and sustainable production and packaging practices.  

During these visits, company representatives and FEZ management expressed their visions on the EIP project’s contributions to economic and environmental improvements, while also outlining their expectations for further support in sustainable industrial development.

A special focus was placed on renewable energy solutions, particularly the feasibility of installing photovoltaic (PV) stations to meet the energy demands of FEZ Urgut. National expertpresented findings on the zone’s technical potential for PV installation, outlining financial mechanisms that could facilitate the adoption of solar energy solutions.

Wastewater Treatment and Recycling Opportunities

To further support the assessment of wastewater treatment and recycling opportunities in FEZ Urgut, experts conducted  on-site visits to water-intensive companies in the zone on February 12-13. Together they evaluated potential improvements and provided recommendations for implementing sustainable wastewater management solutions.

Voices from the Mission

Tatiana Chernyavskaya, UNIDO Project Manager, stated:

“The mission to FEZ Urgut has reinforced our shared commitment to fostering environmentally friendly industrial development. By integrating international expertise with local insights, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and resource-efficient industrial future in Uzbekistan.”

Beate Schoreit, Team Leader Sustainable Economic Development in Rural Areas of Uzbekistan at GIZ, highlighted:

“GIZ is proud to support the advancement of Eco-Industrial Parks in Uzbekistan. This initiative not only enhances environmental performance but also strengthens the economic resilience of businesses within FEZ Urgut.”

Next Steps

Following the mission, the project team will work closely with FEZ Urgut administration, local businesses, and GIZ to facilitate implementation of the recommendations derived from the discussions and assessments. Key focus areas include industrial symbiosis initiatives, improved wastewater management, energy efficiency strategies, and financial planning for PV installations.

The UNIDO Eco-Industrial Parks Project, with the support of the German Government through GIZ, remains committed to fostering sustainable industrial development in Uzbekistan, demonstrating the potential of EIPs to drive economic growth while reducing environmental impacts.

For further updates and insights from the mission, stay tuned to the project website.