UNIDO and GIZ Showcase Progress of Eco-Industrial Parks in Uzbekistan at ECO Expo Central Asia 2025

Tashkent, June 20th, 2025

On June 20, 2025, within the framework of ECO Expo Central Asia 2025, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) hosted a high-level Business Brunch and Press Conference to highlight the progress of the “Eco-Industrial Parks (EIP) in Uzbekistan” project. The event took place at the Small Conference Hall of the CAEx Exhibition Centre in Tashkent and was attended by over 30 participants, including government representatives, industrial zone managers, national consultants, and leading journalists from TV, radio, print, and online platforms.

The Media Brunch was designed as part of the project’s communication strategy to raise awareness of EIP principles, strengthen media engagement, and promote multi-stakeholder dialogue. A total of 21 media professionals from six national information agencies, four TV channels, and two radio stations covered the event, ensuring wide public dissemination with an estimated combined audience of over 15 million people.

The official session opened with a presentation by Mr. Oleg Rijichenko, National Project Coordinator of UNIDO, who summarized the project’s current activities in the pilot zones — Urgut Free Economic Zone and Fergana Mechanic Industrial Zone — and highlighted the national commitment to advancing industrial sustainability. In his words, “This initiative is more than a pilot project—it is a shift in mindset toward sustainability, and Uzbekistan is showing strong commitment through both policy and practice.”

Mr. Klaus Tyrkko, UNIDO’s International Expert, provided global context by sharing best practices from the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP), emphasizing how eco-industrial transformation brings both environmental and economic advantages. Mr. Igor Eromenko, Component Manager of GIZ, reaffirmed GIZ’s support for Uzbekistan’s green industrial transition, noting, “We are proud to support this initiative, which demonstrates how international cooperation can translate into real changes on the ground—reducing waste, saving resources, and improving competitiveness.” 

Further contributions came from Mr. Saidkamol Burkhanov, Director of Civitta Uzbekistan, who presented the results of RECP (Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production) assessments and green business planning in the pilot zones; Mr. Timur Kovshov from the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy (ILLP), who outlined legal efforts to institutionalize the EIP approach; and Mr. Mirjakhon Yazdanov, Head of the Urgut FEZ, who shared local-level progress: “The support we are receiving through this project is already showing practical results. We are improving our internal management systems and building capacity to attract green investments.”

The event also included a networking session and live interviews with national TV and radio stations. Simultaneous interpretation was provided in Uzbek and Russian to ensure broad inclusivity.

Media coverage was extensive and multi-channel. Television segments aired on Oʻzbekiston 24, MY5, and Dunyo Boʻylab, with interviews featuring UNIDO, GIZ, and FEZ representatives. Articles and multimedia stories were published by UzA, Pravda Vostoka, Nova24.uz, Aniq.uz, and other outlets, and cross-posted via Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube. Radio Uzbekistan 24 and Mahalla Radio broadcasted interviews as part of their environmental programming. A video podcast was also recorded at the venue. 

The Media Brunch served as a powerful tool to connect stakeholders, demonstrate project progress, and advocate for greener industry practices in Uzbekistan. Based on positive feedback and extensive media traction, it is recommended that similar outreach formats be replicated during key future milestones. Ideas such as media field trips to pilot zones and digital storytelling campaigns are currently being explored to sustain momentum.

Explore more resources:

Video Highlights:

MY5 TV Channel - ZAMON news: News coverage of the UNIDO Eco-Industrial Parks Project and the Media Brunch/Press Conference held at ECO Expo Central Asia 2025. The segment highlights the project's goals, stakeholder engagement, and media outreach activities.

🔗 to watch full TV material follow the link

Toshkent TV Channel – Poytaxt News: A dedicated segment on the EIP Project in Uzbekistan, featuring key messages from the Media Brunch, expert interviews, and perspectives from national stakeholders.

🔗 to watch full TV material follow the link

UzA – Uzbekistan National News Agency: Video coverage and report on the EIP Project, spotlighting the press conference held during ECO Expo and emphasizing Uzbekistan’s steps toward sustainable industrial development.

🔗 to watch full TV material follow the link

Interviews:

• Mr. Klaus Tyrkko (UNIDO Expert) (to watch full interview follow the link)

• Mr. Igor Eromenko (GIZ) (to watch full interview follow the link)

• Mr. Saidkamol Burkhanov (Civitta Uzbekistan) (to watch full interview follow the link)

• Mr. Bahtiyor Nuritdinov (UNIDO Communication Expert) (to watch full interview follow the link)

For further information, please contact: 

Bahtiyor Nuritdinov

National Communication expert

“Eco-industrial parks project in Uzbekistan”

Email: ba.nuritdinov@gmail.com