EIP Conference in South Africa

Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs) are emerging as a vital component of Uzbekistan’s strategy to modernize its industrial sector while ensuring environmental sustainability. As the country’s economy continues to grow, the need to balance industrial expansion with resource efficiency and pollution reduction is becoming more critical. EIPs offer a solution by promoting industrial symbiosis, where businesses collaborate to reduce waste, share resources, and implement cleaner production methods. This approach aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader goals of fostering a circular economy and improving industrial competitiveness.

The UNIDO “Eco-Industrial Parks Project” in Uzbekistan, funded by German Federal Government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, plays a pivotal role in implementing EIP principles in the country. The project focuses on two pilot zones: the Ferghana Mechanical Small Industrial Zone and the Urgut Free Economic Zone. These zones have been selected as testing grounds for introducing innovative approaches to resource efficiency, waste management, and cleaner production.

UNIDO’s role is to provide technical expertise, policy guidance, and capacity building for local stakeholders, ensuring the effective implementation of EIP frameworks. By fostering collaboration between the private sector, government bodies, and international partners, the project aims to create a model for sustainable industrialization that can be scaled across Uzbekistan. The GIZ’s support is instrumental in driving this initiative, contributing to Uzbekistan’s long-term vision for a greener, more sustainable industrial future.

The 6th Biennial Conference of the National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC-SA), held at the CSIR ICC in Pretoria on September 11-12, 2024, provided a valuable platform for international collaboration on eco-industrial parks (EIP). The delegation from Uzbekistan’s “Eco-Industrial Parks Project,” consisting of the key UNIDO partners from the Ministry of Investment, Industry and trade of Uzbekistan, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and representatives from the management of two pilot zones of the project (Mechanic SIZ and Urgut FEZ) participated in this significant event. The conference offered in-depth knowledge sharing on circular economy principles, decarbonisation, and sustainable industrial practices.

Interviews with Delegation Members

During the interview, Mr. Aripov, Head of Heavy Industry Department of Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, member of project steering committee,  emphasized the importance of the conference in expanding Uzbekistan’s approach to integrating circular economy principles into industrial development. “The speakers from the UNIDO Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme and GIZ shared actionable strategies that can be directly applied to our pilot zones in Ferghana and Samarkand. The emphasis on resource efficiency and waste minimization aligns with our national goals for industrial modernization,” he stated. Mr. Aripov also highlighted the need to adopt best practices shared by countries already implementing EIP frameworks, particularly in terms of policy support and enabling tools for decarbonisation.

Mr. Mustafoev, Lead specialist of the Department of foreign investment attraction and cooperation with international financial institutions of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, focused on the networking opportunities the conference provided. “We connected with representatives from industrial zones across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, learning from their practical applications of EIP principles. The session on green financing was particularly insightful, as it opened up new avenues for attracting investments into Uzbekistan’s eco-industrial projects. Our discussions with industry leaders from South Africa underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving EIP goals,” he remarked.

Mr. Khabibidinov, Director of the Ferghana Mechanical SIZ, was particularly impressed by the practical applications of cleaner production methods presented at the conference. “What stood out for me was how industrial zones can integrate circularity into their operations without disrupting current production. The case studies on industrial symbiosis, where waste from one company becomes a resource for another, gave me several ideas to implement back home. Our pilot zone in Ferghana has immense potential to benefit from such symbiotic relationships between companies,” he said.

Mr. Yazdanov, Head of the Investment Department of the Directorate of Urgut Free Economic Zone (FEZ), was keen on applying lessons from the international EIP case studies presented at the conference. “The examples from Vietnam, Colombia, and Egypt demonstrated that successful EIP implementation requires not just regulatory frameworks but a strong commitment from the businesses within these zones. The role of human capital development was also discussed atlength, and it made me realize the need for continuous capacity building for management and workers in our zones to promote resource efficiency and cleaner production,” he commented.

Key Takeaways from the Conference

1. Decarbonization and Circular Economy:  

The delegation noted the critical role of decarbonization in the transition to eco-industrial parks. The tools and methodologies discussed, including energy efficiency measures, waste reduction strategies, and renewable energy integration, are highly applicable to Uzbekistan’s industrial zones in general and will be trialed as a part of the on-going project. The focus on practical applications of circular economy principles, such as reusing industrial waste and maximizing resource efficiency, was a key takeaway.

2. Green Finance Opportunities:  

Access to green finance was a recurrent theme throughout the conference. The delegation learned about various international funding mechanisms that could support Uzbekistan’s EIP initiatives. Leveraging these financial opportunities could accelerate the implementation of sustainable practices in Ferghana and Samarkand.

3. Public-Private Partnerships and Governance:  

Another key insight was the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector. The conference highlighted examples where successful EIP implementation was achieved through strong partnerships between industrial park management, local governments, and private companies. This is an area Uzbekistan can explore further to ensure the long-term success of its EIP projects.

4. Human Capital Development and Gender Equality:  

Capacity building and workforce development emerged as crucial elements for the successful implementation of eco-industrial parks. The delegation learned that equipping zone managers and employees with the necessary skills for resource efficiency and cleaner production practices is essential for sustainable growth. The Rosslyn Industrial Park tour on September 13 further demonstrated how community-oriented initiatives and skill development programs could drive industrial sustainability.

However, another vital aspect discussed at the conference was the importance of gender equality in the industrial workforce. 

A dedicated presentation on gender equality highlighted the need to create inclusive workplaces within eco-industrial parks. The session emphasized that gender mainstreaming enhances social equity and improves economic performance. Research shows that companies with diverse teams tend to be more innovative and competitive. The integration of women into leadership positions and technical roles was identified as a key factor in fostering innovation and driving the success of EIP initiatives.

For Uzbekistan’s pilot zones, gender equality offers an opportunity to ensure that both men and women can contribute to and benefit from sustainable industrial practices. By actively promoting the inclusion of women in decision-making processes and offering training programs that support their advancement, the Ferghana and Urgut zones can become models of inclusive and sustainable industrial development. This aligns with UNIDO’s broader commitment to gender-responsive industrial policies, which support the empowerment of women as part of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Conclusion

The Uzbekistan delegation’s participation in the NCPC-SA conference provided it with actionable knowledge and critical insights into implementing eco-industrial parks in the home country. From understanding global EIP best practices to networking with international experts, the experience has laid a strong foundation for the future development of Uzbekistan’s pilot zones in Ferghana and Samarkand. The lessons learned, particularly around decarbonization, green finance, and industrial symbiosis, will inform the next steps in advancing eco-industrial park frameworks in Uzbekistan. 

With these takeaways, Uzbekistan is well-positioned to drive its eco-industrial agenda forward, fostering sustainable growth and resilience in its industrial sectors.