Page 67 – The Times Of Central Asia

24 Oct 2025

healthcare, Central Asia, Home, Business & Economy

Medical Staff in Turkmenistan Resign En Masse Over Extortion to Avoid Picking Cotton

October 24, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Hospitals and clinics in the Turkmen city of Turkmenabat are facing a growing staffing crisis as doctors and nurses resign en masse in protest over extortionate cash demands, particularly those tied to the annual cotton harvest. Efforts by local authorities to ease the burden have so far proven ineffective.

According to sources cited by Chronicles of Turkmenistan, three family nurses recently resigned from Turkmenabat City Clinic No. 2, leaving just 11 nursing staff at the facility. Their responsibilities have since been redistributed among remaining colleagues, nearly doubling individual workloads, while salaries have only risen by 30%. The added pressure has led many remaining staff to consider resigning as well.

Similar developments are unfolding at other clinics across the city. One doctor and two nurses have left Polyclinic No. 5, while multiple specialists have exited Polyclinics No. 3 and No. 4.

The primary cause, according to local healthcare workers, is systematic extortion, most notably mandatory contributions for cotton harvesting. In September, Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health reportedly issued a directive requiring medical personnel to participate in the cotton campaign. Employees in the Lebap region were assigned daily quotas to pick 45 kilograms of cotton.

At both the new multidisciplinary hospital and the infectious diseases hospital in Turkmenabat, medical staff have been dispatched to the fields immediately after completing night shifts. Those unwilling or unable to comply must pay for a substitute picker, at a rate of 50 manats (approximately $14.30) per day.

In practice, the burden of physical labor during this period often falls on staff nearing retirement age. One doctor at the infectious diseases hospital revealed that up to two-thirds of some employees’ monthly salaries are spent hiring replacement pickers during the cotton season.

“Not everyone can work in the fields after a full shift, but everyone is expected to pay. That’s why many simply quit,” he said.

In an attempt to stem the exodus, clinic administrators reduced the daily contribution for hiring workers from 50 to 30 manats (around $8.50) in mid-October. However, sources told Chronicles of Turkmenistan that the adjustment has done little to stop the resignations.

Chief physicians have been trying to rehire former employees and bring retirees back into service, but interest remains low. As workloads increase and staff numbers dwindle, the quality of medical care continues to deteriorate.

24 Oct 2025

Home, Tajikistan International Affairs, Tajikistan, International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan Features, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features

How U.S. and EU Sanctions Are Rippling Through Central Asia

October 30, 2025
By Andrei Matveev

Russia’s economy has faced renewed pressure following a fresh round of sanctions imposed this past week by both the European Union and the United States. After abruptly canceling a planned meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest, President Donald Trump shifted to a more hardline stance, announcing new sanctions. While these sanctions may not cripple Moscow, they are already having secondary effects on Central Asia, particularly on Kazakhstan’s banking and energy sectors.

The EU’s 19th sanctions package, adopted on October 22, introduces a phased ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to Reuters, short-term contracts will be terminated within six months, while long-term contracts are to expire by January 1, 2027. The package also includes a total ban on transactions with Russian oil giants Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, an expanded blacklist of so-called “shadow fleet” vessels, and sanctions against 45 companies in Russia and third countries supplying military-related technologies.

Of growing concern in Central Asia is the inclusion of several regional financial institutions in the EU’s sanctions list. These include the Kazakh branch of Russia’s VTB Bank, Kyrgyz banks Tolubai and Eurasian Savings Bank, and Tajik banks Dushanbe City Bank, Kommertsbank of Tajikistan, and Spitamen. These restrictions are scheduled to take effect between November and December 2025.

Both Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov and the nation’s Foreign Ministry have publicly expressed dismay over the sanctions, with Japarov urging Western leaders to stop “politicizing the economy.” In his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York in September, Japarov criticized the impact of unilateral sanctions, while the Foreign Ministry has stated that the country adheres to its international obligations and maintains an open dialogue with the EU to prevent risks associated with possible sanctions circumvention. The ministry has proposed launching an independent, internationally recognized audit and forming a joint “Kyrgyzstan-European Union” technical working group to facilitate data exchange, transaction monitoring, and risk assessments.

In Kazakhstan, the National Bank downplayed the impact of sanctions against VTB. Deputy Chairman Yerulan Zhamaubayev noted that the bank had already been under nominal restrictions, and handles few transactions.

“VTB does not affect the country’s financial stability, and we do not expect serious risks for the economy,” Zhamaubayev stated.

However, the latest U.S. sanctions may prove more consequential for Kazakhstan, particularly amid efforts to strengthen bilateral trade with the United States, including through the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik amendment.

The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned Russian oil majors Rosneft and Lukoil. The latter has deep economic ties with Kazakhstan. Just days before the announcement, on October 14, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev personally attended the 30th anniversary of Lukoil’s operations in Kazakhstan, awarding CEO Vagit Alekperov the Order of Barys, first class.

Oil and gas journalist Oleg Chervinsky reported that the joint venture Kalamkas-Khazar Operating LLP, co-owned by Lukoil and KazMunayGas, is directly affected. “Only the Tengiz and CPC projects, which Lukoil operates with American partners, have been exempted from the sanctions,” Chervinsky noted. A final investment decision for Kalamkas-Khazar was expected in December 2025.

Yerkanat Abeni, a member of the Kazakhstan Association of Minority Shareholders, listed additional Lukoil-affiliated entities potentially impacted by the sanctions. These include LUKOIL Apstrim Kazakhstan (a local operator), LUKOIL Overseas, LUKARCO, and LUKOIL Overseas Karachaganak BV, all of which participate in major Kazakh energy projects.

These sanctions could, therefore, have a substantial effect on Kazakhstan’s energy sector. Some regional experts have argued that the sanctions’ immediate impact on Kazakhstan may be limited, while others have highlighted the country’s broader challenge of balancing Russian ties with Western and regional partnerships to ensure long-term resilience. For now, official responses remain muted, but as uncertainty grows, public confidence in reassurances that the situation is under control may begin to erode.

A previous version of this story, since corrected, misrepresented Commerzbank as Kommertsbank (of Tajikistan). Commerzbank of Germany is in no way implicated under any sanctions regime.

24 Oct 2025

Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Features, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Features

How Uzbekistan Plans to Lead Central Asia’s Digital Future – An Interview With the Minister of Digital Technologies

October 27, 2025
By Stephen M. Bland

Uzbekistan’s ambitions to position itself as Central Asia’s digital powerhouse took center stage during ICT Week Uzbekistan 2025 this September – the country’s largest-ever technology forum, drawing more than 20 official delegations, 300 companies, and 20,000 participants from over 50 countries. With artificial intelligence and future technologies at its core, the event showcased how Tashkent aims to turn international partnerships into lasting investment, innovation, and talent pipelines.

At the forefront of these efforts stands Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies, who has overseen landmark initiatives extending IT Park incentives until 2040, launching the IT Visa for foreign specialists, and embedding AI education across Uzbekistan’s schools and universities. The Times of Central Asia spoke to Minister Shermatov to discuss how Uzbekistan plans to sustain investor confidence beyond ICT Week, prepare its workforce for an AI-driven economy, and balance rapid digitalization with data protection and national sovereignty.

ICT Week 2025; image: The Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan

TCA: Uzbekistan showcased itself as a regional IT hub during ICT Week. What concrete steps will the Ministry take to ensure foreign investors and global tech firms remain engaged in Uzbekistan?

Shermatov: In order to comprehensively stimulate and develop the activities of foreign investors and global technology companies in the Republic of Uzbekistan, a number of key preferences for IT Park residents have already been implemented.

The Government of Uzbekistan has extended and reinforced the system of benefits and guarantees for foreign investors and IT Park residents, ensuring long-term stability and predictability of the investment climate. Among these measures, IT Park tax incentives have been officially extended until 2040, offering exemption from a range of taxes, a simplified foreign currency regime, and a 5% dividend tax for non-residents, provided that more than 50% of their revenue is generated from export activities. These reforms provide a reliable and attractive environment for both established global players and emerging startups.

To further strengthen the country’s position as a regional digital hub, the Government has also introduced the IT Visa – a three-year visa designed for founders, investors, and foreign specialists of IT Park resident companies. The IT Visa facilitates simplified entry, residence, and employment procedures for international professionals and their family members, making Uzbekistan one of the most open and accessible markets for global technology talent.

In parallel, a “One Stop Shop” service has been launched to streamline administrative procedures. It provides fast-track company registration, bank account opening, and work and residency permits, enabling investors and foreign specialists to begin operations in Uzbekistan with unprecedented efficiency.

At the same time, the Ministry continues to expand cooperation between global technology partners and the national innovation ecosystem under the “ZERO Risk” and “Local to Global” mechanisms, as stated in the relevant decrees of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. These instruments create a foundation for long-term growth, stimulate venture financing, and support the international scaling of Uzbek startups.

Also, comprehensive programs are being implemented to train highly qualified IT specialists to meet the needs of both local and international companies. This includes partnerships with global technology leaders and universities, ensuring that Uzbekistan’s talent pool remains globally competitive.

Importantly, according to the Startup Genome Global Startup Ecosystem Report, Uzbekistan has been recognized as the fastest-growing IT ecosystem in Central Asia, reflecting the country’s dynamic progress and investment potential.

ICT Week 2025; image: The Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan

TCA: With Al and future technologies at the center of ICT Week, how is Uzbekistan preparing its education and workforce systems to supply the high-skilled talent these industries demand?

Shermatov: Uzbekistan is rapidly developing a technology-driven economy – with full internet coverage across all schools, over 125,000 students trained annually in 210 universities, and a growing ICT workforce that now exceeds 200,000 specialists nationwide.

At a strategic level, the preparation of qualified professionals in artificial intelligence is embedded in the National AI Development Strategy and the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 425 of July 10, 2025. Within this framework, the national program “One Million Leaders of Artificial Intelligence” has been launched. It includes the educational platforms aistudy.uz and omp.aistudy.uz, which currently offer five free online courses. By 2027, this program aims to train one million young people equipped with modern AI knowledge and practical skills.

Furthermore, the opening of the Yandex ML School – the first specialized educational center in Uzbekistan focused on machine learning, mathematical modeling, and data analysis – marks another important milestone in building national expertise in artificial intelligence.

To sustain this progress, the Ministry is also working to revise national school and university curricula, integrating new disciplines such as programming fundamentals, robotics, and artificial intelligence into the core education system.

Education and technology go hand in hand. This month, Uzbekistan launched the country’s first-ever nationwide series of hackathons in digital healthcare – the HealthTech AI Hackathon. The opening stage took place in Nukus, bringing together IT developers, doctors, and students to co-create digital solutions for the healthcare sector. The event gathered over 300 participants forming 44 teams, who presented their AI-driven applications for medicine. The initiative is part of the large-scale National AI Hackathon Project, which will reach all regions of Uzbekistan by 2026 and engage thousands of young specialists in AI innovation.

Together, these efforts demonstrate Uzbekistan’s strategic approach to building a skilled, future-ready workforce and a sustainable IT ecosystem – ensuring that education, technology, and entrepreneurship grow in step with the country’s ambitions in technology and AI.

IT Park; image: Embassy of Uzbekistan in the United States

TCA: Uzbekistan announced major digital platforms in tourism and insurance: how will the government balance rapid digitalization with data protection, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty concerns?

Shermatov: The development of major digital platforms in priority sectors such as tourism, insurance, and payments is a key element of the national strategy. However, rapid digitalization is accompanied by a critical need to ensure information security and national control over data. The goal of current efforts is to create digital platforms where the accelerated implementation of modern technologies is inseparably combined with the principles of data protection, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty.

Platforms integrating payments and tourist infrastructure management are a priority target for cyberattacks. The following measures are being taken to minimize risks:

The active construction and modernization of Data Centers (DPCs) is underway across the Republic. This ensures strict adherence to data localization requirements, guaranteeing that critical information of citizens and guests is stored and processed exclusively within the national jurisdiction. This measure eliminates risks associated with legal regimes and the extraterritorial access of third countries to national data.

Furthermore, to prevent threats at the design stage, the project and technical documentation for all digital platforms being developed in the tourism sector (as well as in the financial and government sectors) is subject to mandatory expert review by the authorized state Cybersecurity Center.

The combination of developing robust national infrastructure (DPCs) with strict control and supervisory procedures demonstrates a balanced governmental approach to digital transformation. These measures not only ensure the protection of user data and enhance the cybersecurity of critical systems but also strategically strengthen the digital sovereignty of the Republic of Uzbekistan amid the rapid growth of the digital economy.

TCA: How will you ensure the initiatives announced at ICT Week are implemented on schedule and deliver measurable results?

Shermatov: The reliability of the initiatives announced at ICT Week 2025 is reinforced by Uzbekistan’s consistent record of turning commitments into concrete results. The country’s approach emphasizes structured implementation, interagency coordination, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that every memorandum and agreement translates into measurable progress.

For example, following ICT Week 2024, a memorandum between IT Park Uzbekistan and Astana Hub led to the creation of Central Asian Innovation Hubs, enabling regional startups to scale internationally. Within a year, startups from both ecosystems showcased their solutions at Web Summit 2024 (Lisbon), TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 (San Francisco), and the INMerge Innovation Summit (Baku). This collaboration also launched the Silkway Accelerator in partnership with Google for Startups, providing Central Asian entrepreneurs with mentorship and global exposure.

Building on this track record, ICT Week 2025 resulted in nine new international memorandums, including with partners from the United States, Korea, Iran, Kazakhstan, Jordan, and Estonia, as well as investment agreements worth over $10 million. More than 20 foreign companies announced plans to open offices in Uzbekistan, collectively expected to create over 1,000 new jobs. These outcomes reflect a direct continuation of Uzbekistan’s results-oriented strategy and its growing role as a regional innovation hub.

At IT Park Uzbekistan, we are fully committed to ensuring that every initiative announced during ICT Week 2025 moves from agreement to action. Our team is actively supporting these commitments through dedicated project management units and other departments, continuous engagement with foreign partners, and regular progress reviews in coordination with the Ministry of Digital Technologies.

Such achievements demonstrate that agreements made during ICT Week are not symbolic but represent actionable, result-driven partnerships. Building on a proven framework, the ICT Week 2025 initiatives will be implemented under clear timelines, joint working groups, and regular progress assessments, ensuring accountability and tangible impact in advancing Uzbekistan’s digital transformation agenda.

24 Oct 2025

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, Life & Culture, Uzbekistan Features, Uzbekistan Home, Uzbekistan Life & Culture, Features

Canadian Musician Releases Protest Song About Uzbek Student’s Experience with Wizz Air

October 24, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Canadian singer-songwriter Dave Carroll, best known for his 2009 viral hit “United Breaks Guitars,” has released a new protest song titled “Don’t Fly Wizness Class,” inspired by the travel ordeal of Uzbek student Suhrob Ubaydullayev.

The track and accompanying video, featuring Ubaydullayev himself, highlight his experience with Wizz Air in 2023 and raise broader concerns about discrimination and passenger rights.

Carroll first gained international attention after United Airlines damaged his $3,500 Taylor guitar during a 2008 flight and refused to compensate him. In response, he released “United Breaks Guitars,” which amassed over 20 million views on YouTube and reportedly caused a $180 million drop in United’s stock value. The episode sparked industry-wide changes in customer service protocols.

More than a decade later, Carroll has turned his attention to another case of alleged mistreatment, this time involving a 24-year-old Uzbek national. His latest song recounts how Ubaydullayev was denied boarding on a Wizz Air flight on August 31, 2023.

“I had all my documents in order,” Ubaydullayev previously told The Times of Central Asia. “The staff checked them and returned them to me, but when I reached the gate, they suddenly said I couldn’t fly. No reason. No explanation.”

According to Ubaydullayev, one airline employee asked, “Are you from Uzbekistan?” Upon confirming he was, he says he was denied boarding without further justification. What followed, he claims, was a humiliating ordeal: threats to call the police, warnings that the Uzbek embassy could not assist him, and refusal to provide any written explanation.

Ubaydullayev had just completed a Work and Travel program in Europe and was returning home. After spending his savings on the now-cancelled flight, he borrowed money to reach Istanbul, where he was robbed and left stranded.

“I met some Uzbek guys near the Sultan Ahmed Mosque who offered to help,” he said. “But they ended up taking my money and disappearing.” His journey home eventually took him through Kazan in Russia and Osh in Kyrgyzstan, before he reached the Uzbek city of Namangan, exhausted, indebted, and disillusioned.

In May, during a visit to Canada, Ubaydullayev met Carroll in person. “He was kind and respectful,” Ubaydullayev told The Times of Central Asia. “Carroll listened to my story and was deeply moved.”

Carroll then turned the young man’s experience into a song, aiming to bring attention to the broader issue of traveler discrimination. “My goal,” Ubaydullayev said, “is to ensure Wizz Air and other airlines stop discriminating against Uzbek citizens and start treating them with respect.”

23 Oct 2025

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Features, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy, Features

Open for Business: New Reforms Accelerate Investment in Uzbek Companies

October 23, 2025
By Jonathan Campion

Uzbekistan’s business sector is in a period of rapid transformation. The catalyst for this is the government’s newest set of economic reforms, through which it is seeking to attract long-term investment. New legislation, targeted incentives for enterprises, and an influx of international partnerships are changing the way that companies operate and invest.

A key part of this transformation is the government’s effort to create a more predictable and transparent regulatory environment. The World Bank has noted that Uzbekistan’s reform strategy is centered on expanding trade integration and accelerating the long-planned privatization of state assets. The country’s priorities include accession to the World Trade Organization, which has brought about legal adjustments designed to align Uzbek standards with global norms.

Investor confidence has been encouraged by new policies that now make it easier to live and work in Uzbekistan. A five-year “golden visa” now makes it possible for foreign nationals who invest at least $250,000 to receive residency. This simplifies procedures for those developing long-term projects.

Another focus for the government is financial liberalization. The International Monetary Fund recently noted that state ownership of banks is expected to fall to around 40 percent next year, which creates space for potential private lenders and foreign capital.

Recent data suggests that these reforms are beginning to bear fruit. In the first quarter of 2025, Uzbekistan attracted about $8.7 billion in new foreign investment, according to figures published by UzDaily, with the total inflow this year projected to reach $42 billion. The Times of Central Asia has reported that over the past eight years, the country has absorbed more than $113 billion in foreign capital. These numbers highlight the nation’s growing appeal to international investors.

Alongside the surge in foreign activity, the authorities are developing policies to encourage domestic entrepreneurs. There are now more than 370,000 registered small and medium-sized businesses in Uzbekistan, which now receive more support from the government through simpler registration rules and targeted tax incentives. Private industrial parks in Tashkent and Samarkand are driving innovation in the textiles, IT and construction sectors, and creating prospective local jobs.

The business community has taken notice of these reforms. At the Tashkent International Investment Forum in June, European delegates described Uzbekistan as a country “undergoing large-scale transformation”, with a growing array of opportunities for international investors. Guests in Tashkent praised efforts to increase transparency in business and cut back on beaurocracy. At the same time, they stressed the need to be consistent in their implementation across regions.

Despite tangible progress, challenges remain. Inflation has remained high, and analysts continue to point to structural issues hampering growth. These include an underdeveloped financial system and a large informal economy. Foreign businesses operating in Uzbekistan are also advised to pay close attention to compliance and labor law as the legal environment evolves.

Two of the government’s priorities stand out in the short term. The first is the privatization of major state assets in the energy, transport and telecommunications industries — part of the 2025 national economic program outlined by Invexi. The second is diversification beyond commodities, with policymakers encouraging investment in lesser sectors such as manufacturing, agricultural technologies, and digital services, to strengthen the country’s export resilience.

Uzbekistan’s reforms are ambitious but becoming more and more coherent. If the current trends continue over the next decade, the country could consolidate its position as one of Eurasia’s most competitive and investment-friendly economies.

23 Oct 2025

Home, Uzbekistan Environment, Environment, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Features, Features

Beyond Infrastructure: China’s New Environmental Footprint in Central Asia

October 24, 2025
By Yunis Sharifli

Uzbekistan’s economy is expanding at one of the fastest rates in Central Asia, creating new opportunities for businesses and citizens alike. Yet this rapid growth also brings challenges that the country must learn to manage. Among them, one of the most pressing issues is the growing problem of waste management, which has become an unfortunate consequence of economic progress.

Over the past decade, the volume of municipal solid waste in Uzbekistan has increased steadily. It rose from about 6.1 million tons in 2010 to 7 million tons in 2017, and current projections suggest that annual waste generation could reach as high as 16 million tons by 2028.

Currently, the country generates around 14 million tons of waste annually, but only a small portion of this – approximately 5% – is recycled. Landfills now release more than seven million tons of greenhouse gases every year, and more than forty thousand tons of toxic waste seep into the soil, threatening both the environment and public health.

The government of Uzbekistan has recognized the urgency of the issue and placed waste management at the heart of its green development agenda. Alongside the promotion of renewable energy and electric vehicles, the authorities are investing in waste-to-energy projects that can help convert solid waste into electricity. This approach can reduce the amount of waste going to landfills while providing a cleaner source of energy.

China’s Role in Uzbekistan’s Waste-to-Energy Development

To implement these projects, Uzbekistan is actively cooperating with foreign partners who can bring technology, investment, and experience. Among these partners, China has emerged as a leading player. Chinese companies, facing a saturated domestic market, are increasingly looking abroad for new opportunities. Uzbekistan’s ambitious targets in waste management perfectly align with this interest, creating a partnership that benefits both sides.

Several large-scale projects have already been launched. China’s CAMC Engineering is investing about $350 million to build two waste-to-energy plants in the Andijan and Tashkent regions. Another Chinese company, Shanghai SUS Environment, has signed an agreement with Uzbekistan’s Waste Management Agency to develop projects using advanced green technology.

In addition, China Everbright Environment Group has announced the creation of joint ventures with Uzbek partners Maxsus and CR No.17 Second Engineering. These partnerships will result in two new plants in Namangan and Ferghana, each with an estimated cost of $283 million.

Opportunities and Risks

These initiatives promise significant benefits. For China, they open the door to exporting green technologies, generating new revenue, and deepening economic ties in Central Asia. The growing demand for waste-to-energy projects across the region also creates opportunities for China to share its proven technological model, helping partner countries build capacity while integrating more closely into China’s expanding technological ecosystem.

Beyond the economic gains, this cooperation is shaping China’s broader image. Through such environmentally focused projects, Beijing is gradually being seen not only as a builder of physical infrastructure but also as a provider of innovative and sustainable solutions. This transformation strengthens China’s soft power and adds new depth to its Belt and Road cooperation with Central Asian countries.

For Uzbekistan, waste-to-energy projects offer a valuable solution to the country’s growing waste challenge. The projects implemented by China Everbright Environment are expected to process more than one million tons of waste each year. Similarly, Shanghai SUS Environment’s projects in Uzbekistan will handle up to 1,500 tons of waste per day while generating an estimated 240 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

These initiatives not only reduce the burden on landfills but also diversify Uzbekistan’s energy sources. Together with the expansion of renewable energy and the gradual increase in electric vehicle use, waste-to-energy plants can play an important role in strengthening the country’s overall energy resilience.

However, alongside these benefits come a number of potential risks. Waste-to-energy plants are often controversial due to concerns about environmental and health impacts, particularly the emission of pollutants such as dioxins and furans. If such projects are carried out with limited environmental oversight, they can cause serious harm to public health and the surrounding ecosystem.

There is also a risk that Chinese companies, driven by the goal of reducing costs, may implement less stringent standards. Such an approach could undermine the environmental credibility of these projects and raise public concerns about China’s growing economic footprint in Uzbekistan. In the long term, this could weaken the positive image that Beijing seeks to project through its cooperation in green development.

Navigating Opportunity and Responsibility

Uzbekistan’s growing engagement with Chinese companies in the waste-to-energy sector reflects both opportunity and caution. On one hand, these projects offer practical solutions to one of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges while contributing to energy diversification and green development. On the other hand, the success of this partnership will depend on ensuring that environmental and safety standards remain uncompromised. By prioritizing transparency, sustainability, and long-term public benefit, Uzbekistan can turn its waste problem into a cornerstone of its clean energy transition.

For China, maintaining high environmental standards will be equally crucial, as it can reinforce Beijing’s image as a responsible partner and enhance its soft power in the region. If managed wisely, the cooperation between the two countries can serve as a model for economic growth and environmental responsibility.