UNIDO Eco-Industrial Parks Project Advances in Fergana with a Strategic Mission to Mashinasozlar SIZ

Fergana, Uzbekistan – February 12-13, 2025 – The Eco-Industrial Parks (EIP) Project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through GIZ and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), continues to make significant progress in Uzbekistan. A high-level mission to the Fergana Mashinasozlar small industrial zone took place from February 12 to 13, bringing together national and international experts to assess the advancements in EIP implementation and discuss next steps for resource efficiency, circular economy practices, and renewable energy integration.

The UNIDO delegation included Project Manager Tatiana Chernyavskaya, National Project Coordinator Igor Eromenko, International EIP Experts Dick van Beers, Dr. Branko Dunjic, and Ivan Butuk, as well as National Communication Expert Nuritdinov Bahtiyor. GIZ was represented by Dr. Igor Eremenko, Project Manager, and the Head of the Representative Office of GIZ in Fergana Valley, Farhod Mirzaboyev. The team engaged with local authorities and industrial stakeholders to evaluate ongoing efforts in industrial symbiosis and sustainability initiatives within the zone.

Strengthening EIP Planning in     Fergana Mashinasozlar

One of the mission’s goals was the EIP Concept Planning Workshop, where international experts shared global best practices and explored tailored approaches for implementing EIP principles in Mashinasozlar SIZ. Discussions centered on the future development plans for the zone and application of resource efficiency and industrial symbiosis strategies to enhance economic, social, and environmental benefits for companies operating in the zone, including zoning and possible industry clustering.

Engagement with Regional Authorities

During the first day, Deputy Governor of Fergana Region, Nuriddin Mamajonov, joined the meeting to discuss the project’s prospects. He expressed readiness to support and encourage the industrial park’s management to successfully implement the EIP framework and achieve key project outcomes, particularly the introduction of renewable energy (PV installation) and addressing water issues as part of the project.

On-Site Visits to Selected Companies

To gain firsthand insights into sustainability efforts within Fergana Mashinasozlar SIZ, the mission members conducted site visits to key industrial players, evaluating their readiness to adopt eco-industrial practices and to discuss proposed resource-efficiency measures

GIZ representatives reiterated their commitment to supporting the EIP project and emphasized the importance of integrating concrete environment-oriented solutions into Uzbekistan’s industrial zones.

Next Steps

Following the mission, the project team will work closely with Mashinasozlar SIZ administration, tenant businesses, and GIZ to implement the recommendations derived from the discussions and assessments. Key focus areas include industrial symbiosis initiatives, improved wastewater management, energy efficiency, and financial planning for introduction of those measures.

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 our official platforms.