Strengthening Industrial Zones through Eco-Industrial Park (EIP) Approaches: Training Workshop on Investment Project Development

Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through GIZ and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Uzbekistan Eco-Industrial Parks Project continues to support industrial transformation. On February 13-14, 2025, a two-day training workshop was conducted in Tashkent in the conference hall of U-Enter to equip professionals working with industrial zones, companies, and relevant stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge for preparing and developing investment projects.

The event focused on the role of investment in transforming traditional industrial parks into eco-industrial parks (EIPs) to enhance resource efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and competitiveness. The training aimed to enable participants to develop feasible investment projects essential for upgrading infrastructure, utilities, and equipment in industrial zones across Uzbekistan. The first day introduced UNIDO’s COMFAR (Computer Model for Feasibility Analysis and Reporting)software, an internationally recognized tool for financial, economic, and technical analysis. Participants engaged in practical exercises to apply the tool to real-world scenarios. UNIDO International Expert Umesh Menon led the session, highlighting the importance of standardized methodologies in investment project appraisals recognized by institutions such as the World Bank and OECD.

Building on this foundation, the second day covered investment project development in depth. Led by Dr. Branko Dunjic, UNIDO Senior Advisor, and International EIP Expert Dick van Beers, the training addressed aspects such as identifying and scoping promising investment projects, conducting feasibility assessments, and exploring financing mechanisms. UNIDO National Expert for Financing SaidkamolBurkhanov conducted interactive sessions on financial tools, while Dr. Atanas Kochov from GIZ provided insights into available financing options and national best practices.

While Tatiana Chernyavskaya (UNIDO), Oleg Rijichenko(UNIDO), and Bahtiyor Nuritdinov (UNIDO) delivered opening remarks, the workshop gathered over 20 experts (20% of women) from various institutions, including the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Economy and Finance, GIZ Uzbekistan, Fergana Polytechnic Institute, Uztextileprom, and the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan. Participants actively engaged in discussions, raising numerous questions on project development and financial feasibility.

This training aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader industrial development strategy, reinforcing the role of EIPs in fostering sustainable and competitive industrial growth. For further updates, stay tuned to official project website.