Uzbekistan Home - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 17

EU and FAO Aid Uzbekistan’s Management of Hazardous Chemicals

On 1 May, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan held an inception workshop in Tashkent on technical assistance for the sound management of hazardous chemicals. The joint venture, implemented with financial support from the European Union, is designed to enhance the effectiveness of mechanisms and tools for the management of hazardous chemicals and related waste. A key goal cited by the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, is to reduce the use of dangerous pesticides in agriculture, through the introduction and promotion of alternative methodologies amongst farmers. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, stressed that by actively striving to reduce the use of highly hazardous pesticides, Uzbekistan aims to lower their adverse impact on the nation’s health and environment, in addition to making a significant contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Regarding plans to address the issue, he announced, “We need to revise our inventory of contaminated areas of former agricultural airfields and other sites, the last of which, was carried out in the ‘90s when more than 450 former agricultural airfields were identified.” Praising the move, Wim Riepma, Head of Cooperation Section, EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, stated: "Our partnership with the Government of Uzbekistan and FAO exemplifies a collective commitment to protecting the environment and public health, by cleaning up legacy waste, by improving waste management, and by reducing pesticide waste production. Integrated pest management and awareness of health and environmental risks are key to a healthier, environment- friendly and economically viable agriculture sector.” Sherzod Umarov, Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan, likewise emphasized, "The project implementation will enable an improved institutional capacity for sound pesticide management and better data on hazardous wastes in agriculture allowing development of a national waste management strategy. The project also aims to scale up green practices in the agricultural sector leading to reduced risks to farmers and consumers from the use of pesticides and to food production relying on less toxic pesticides and biological protection tools.”

Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Home Uzbekistan Life & Culture Uzbekistan International Affairs

Uzbekistan Opens New Museum Commemorating WW2 Japanese POWs

On 30 April, Uzbekistan Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov joined by Ambassador of Japan to Uzbekistan Hatori Takashi, founder and director of the museum, Jalil Sultanov, and representatives of the Japan Society in Uzbekistan to celebrate the opening of a new museum in Tashkent commemorating Japanese prisoners of war. Over 20,000 Japanese POWs captured by the Soviet Union during the second world war, were interned in Uzbekistan between 1945-1950. During this period, the prisoners were dispersed across the country to construct buildings, dams, and roads in regions including Angren, Bekabad, and Kokand, and in Tashkent, built the Alisher Navoi Opera Theatre, the Mukini Theatre, the Central Telegraph and Ministry of Culture, as well as barracks still in use today. According to estimates, 817 died in the process. The new premises, under construction since 2023, replace the original museum founded in May 1998. Housing photographs, documents, and artefacts, such as prisoners’ workwear and a wooden crib made for the local market, the collections testify to the lives of Japanese POWs in Uzbekistan, and given a new lease of life, are expected to become a major draw for Japanese tourists visiting the country.

Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Environment Uzbekistan Home Uzbekistan Business & Economy Uzbekistan Life & Culture

EU Gives Uzbekistan’s Agriculture Another Boost

On April 25 the European Union presented €6 million ($6.4 million) to the Uzbek government to support the country's National Food Security and Healthy Nutrition Strategy. Alongside the grant the EU has also provided funds to help the Ministry of Agriculture to carry out its planning reforms. Further funding of €20 million ($21.4 million) will be issued later this year and next, in support of Uzbekistan's National Agriculture Development Strategy for 2020-2030. The overall objective is the establishment of more market-orientated and sustainable agriculture and food sectors, and subsequently, the creation of more jobs and better access to safe and nutritious food for people in Uzbekistan. “The agri-food sector is critical for Uzbekistan’s economy and is a major source of employment,” commented the EU's ambassador to Uzbekistan Charlotte Adriaen. “Family-run or ‘dekhan’ farms produce most of the meat and vegetables consumed by Uzbek citizens. Our focus is therefore on those reforms that enable these farms to prosper, adapt to a changing climate, protect the environment, produce healthy food, and become part of local and global value chains. The grant funding together with other European Union initiatives such as GSP+ will also help to boost exports to the EU.” The European Union is Uzbekistan’s main funder of developments in the agriculture and food sectors. Between 2020-2023 it provided grants totaling €32.5 million ($35 million).

Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Home

US Helps Train 18,000 English Teachers in Uzbekistan

In an announcement made by the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan on 20 April, Tashkent, it was stated that a four-year programme conducted by the U.S.-supported English-Speaking Nation (ESN) has trained over 18,000 English teachers to work in secondary schools across Uzbekistan. Costing $7 million, the joint initiative of the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent and the Uzbekistan Ministry of Preschool and School Education, implemented by American Councils for International Education, offered intensive professional development and advanced teaching methodologies to enhance Uzbekistan’s English teachers’ provision of language proficiency. As a result of the project, 452 teachers attained internationally- recognized certificates through the 140-hour, TESOL Program. A further 693 English teachers participated in a specialized 60-hour course to become trainers and mentors, forming a network of expert teacher trainers across the country to support their colleagues. Celebrating the project’s success, U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick said, “Teachers report the program improved their lesson planning and supported their efforts to become leaders in their school communities. Principals praise teachers’ innovative teaching methods. Students are speaking more English and developing stronger language skills.”

Central Asia Uzbekistan Life & Culture Uzbekistan Home Uzbekistan Life & Culture

EU Project Grants to Empower Civil Society in Uzbekistan

The European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan has announced a new wave of project grants. Aimed at empowering civil society in Uzbekistan, particularly women and marginalized groups, funds of over EUR 3.5 million will be allocated to the development of eight initiatives. In her report on April 3rd, Charlotte Adriaen, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, stated: “Today's EU-funded project launch is just a glimpse into our ongoing commitment to bolster civil society organizations in Uzbekistan. Our yearly efforts are dedicated to empowering these vital entities, fostering inclusivity, vibrancy, and democracy. Prioritizing projects for women, children, and marginalized groups, we amplify voices, promote inclusive development, and drive or support Uzbekistan’s reform agenda. Together with civil society and state partners, we contribute to the pluralism and inclusivity crucial for a thriving democracy and a peaceful society.” Scheduled to operate from 2024 to 2026, the projects will focus on enhancing work undertaken by organizations concerning inclusion, gender equality and gender-responsiveness, and advances in the Green Agenda.

Central Asia Uzbekistan Life & Culture Uzbekistan Home Business & Economy Uzbekistan Business & Economy Uzbekistan Life & Culture Uzbekistan International Affairs

Uzbekistan to Support Migrant Workers

At a government meeting on April 2nd, following his previous order to facilitate access to the external labour market, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was presented with proposals to streamline labour migration and support Uzbek migrant workers abroad. Over the past two years, the Uzbek Agency for External Labour Migration has assisted 70 thousand people in securing work in developed countries. Many unskilled laborers, however, still opt to work abroad independently and as a result, struggle. To resolve problems encountered by Uzbek citizens working abroad, Uzbekistan is to introduce round-the-clock call centres and labour migration attachés in its embassies and consulates in the UK, Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Japan. A mahalla is a traditional Uzbek community centred in a residential neighbourhood. Under the new initiative, based on the principle “work abroad begins with the mahalla,” local authorities and youth leaders will identify anyone wishing to work abroad and enter their data in a designated “Online Mahalla” platform. Candidates will then be invited to compete for employment abroad. Training will be provided by vocational education institutions for citizens lacking professional skills. In addition, a centre for teaching foreign languages will be opened at the Agency for External Labour Migration to help prepare candidates. The state has announced that it will also reimburse part of the costs of work visas and tickets, as well as the assessment of labour migrants’ knowledge of foreign languages and professional qualifications. Earlier on, the head of state instigated measures to ensure employment for people returning from labour migration.