Sustainability - The Times Of Central Asia

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Drinking Water Sustainability Water Management Investment Eurasian Development Bank (EDB)

Focus on Central Asia’s Acute Shortage of Drinking Water

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has declared water availability a particularly acute challenge in Central Asia, given that 10 million people, or 14% of the region’s population, currently lack access to safe drinking water. Between 1994 and 2020, water withdrawals for municipal and domestic needs doubled to 8.6 cubic kilometres. However, since investment in drinking water falls short of meeting the growing demand, the infrastructure for the supply and treatment of water has severely deteriorated. The challenges facing the sector highlight the need for large-scale investment in water supply and sanitation in Central Asia. The annual funding deficit to meet the targets of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all) is estimated to reach US $2 billion by 2025–2030. In response, EDB analysts have prepared a report to assess the level of investment required by the region to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal by 2030, including proposals for practical steps to secure the necessary funding. Titled “Water and Sanitation in Central Asia”, the report will be launched on 28 June at the Eurasian Development Bank’s Business Forum in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Tourism Sustainability

OCA Magazine Celebrates Fifteenth Anniversary

The sole English-language magazine dedicated to Central Asia and the CIS region, since 2009 OCA Magazine has been promoting diplomatic relationships and international partnerships between Eurasia and the global community. With a list of contributors which includes heads of state, ambassadors, ministers, celebrities, academicians, business-people, and others, in 2024 the magazine will celebrate its fifteenth anniversary with both new and special editions, as well as international events bringing together readers, contributors, and partners of the publication. A special issue, OCA: Creative Industries & Tourism Expertise, has already been published as part of the celebrations, which includes articles about the best tourist experiences, modern projects, and key challenges in the creative economies of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and more. Written by experts from the U.K., Spain, Russia, and others, the first edition was presented during the OCA Zoom International Conference on “Sustainable Development of the Creative Economy: A New Model for Tourism in Central Asia." This conference brought together experts to discuss current issues and trends in tourism development resulting from the volatile global situation. During the session, new opportunities for Eurasian tourism were explored, with Gulchekhra-begim Makhmudova proposing the creation of an edutainment park called SILKROADLAND, and suggesting that video content based on her children's books about the legends of the Great Silk Road should be produced. Makhmudova noted that while many are familiar with Western cartoon characters, there is a great opportunity to showcase the unique and diverse culture of Central Asia through animation. Gregory Schafer discussed sustainable cultural tourism and its management, highlighting the significance of preserving cultural authenticity, promoting eco-friendly practices, and exploring gastro-tourism. Irina Kharitonova, meanwhile, addressed the topic of developing the creative economy and related industries, noting that some may not be familiar with terms such as "creative tourism," and the need to promote better understanding. Artem Klykov, a professor at Silk Road University and SWISS University, highlighted the significance of human capital as the basis for sustainable tourism and the creative economy. "Increasing the competitiveness of tourism requires effective management of human capital," Klykov stated. Despite the business-oriented nature of the conference, there was still an opportunity for celebration. Marat Akhmedjanov, the founder of Silk Road Media (U.K.) and publisher of OCA Magazine, congratulated everyone on the fifteenth anniversary and expressed his gratitude to all of the participants. Later this year, the magazine will see several more special issues and related conferences, such as the 4th OCA Magazine: Education (an opportunity for universities, experts and media representatives to promote education and research opportunities inside the region and abroad), the 5th OCA Magazine: People (featuring 40 interviews with outstanding creative people from Eurasia), the 4th OCA Magazine: North America Edition (a special edition observing the wide range of issues related to Central Asia, the CIS, the U.S. and Canada), and the 1st OCA Magazine: Real Estate (a new opportunity for international investors). The year's activities will culminate with the OCA Dialogue Forum, “New Dimensions of International Investment Attractiveness of Eurasia. Global ReFace,” which is scheduled...

Sustainability Energy

Chinese Partners To Help Modernize Uzbekistan’s Electric Power Industry

The development of renewable energy is a priority for Uzbekistan, with the country aiming for a quarter of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2030. To meet this target the Ministry of Energy has spoken of the need to attract more international companies to work in the sector, and to train better qualified professionals. With this in mind, JSC Uzenergoengineering — the country’s largest electric power design institute — has recently signed two agreements with Chinese partners. The first agreement is with the China Electric Power Planning and Engineering Institute (EPPEI) on the creation of a joint venture in Uzbekistan. The new venture will develop short- and long-term plans for the Uzbek power industry, conduct technical and economic studies, provide consultation services to local enterprises, and train personnel. The second agreement was signed with Energy China International, a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Group Corporation Limited, one of the world’s largest energy companies. The parties agreed to set up a new institute in Uzbekistan with a preliminary investment of $30m. This institute will train high-level professionals, and introduce new technologies into the country’s electric power industry.

Sustainability Entrepreneurship

Uzbekistan to launch an entrepreneurship sustainability rating

As reported by the press service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on its website, Uzbekistan plans to launch a rating of entrepreneurs' sustainability by March 1, 2024, which will constitute a new incentive for entrepreneurial activity in the country. The rating list is planned to have four main categories, which in turn will be based on 23 criteria, including such areas as the duration of activity, level of profitability, payment discipline, participation in providing employment and the level of wages. The list will be compiled on the basis of data from fundamental state services, such as tax, justice and judicial authorities, among others. The aim of the project is to motivate entrepreneurs to join the ranks of disciplined businessmen. Accordingly, benefits of securing a top spot on the list will include: Exemption from all types of tax audits; Value Added Tax will be returned to these entrepreneurs in full amount within 24 hours, and overpayment of other types of taxes in three days; Customs and tax authorities will be able to offset VAT on import and sale of goods; The term of payment for acquired state property or land plots purchased at auction will be extended from three to five years; Annual interest will not be charged on the remaining amount if the initial installment is not less than 15%. The press service also notes in regards to this rating that entrepreneurs will be evaluated not by the tax service, but by an electronic system, which in turn will increase the level of fairness of accrual of subsidies, benefits and preferences. In addition, the rating will give entrepreneurs reliable information about competitors as well as provide warnings about possible risks, dubious transactions and unfair competition. This is expected to reduce the level of "shadow economy", according to the report.