Uzbekistan Water Sector Opportunities

UZBEKISTAN AIMS TO CHANNEL EXPERTISE TO WATER SECTOR

Uzbekistan Dedicates Significant Government Resources to Solve its Water Security Issues

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev declared 2024 an emergency year devoted to saving water resources in Uzbekistan. In a November meeting on sustainable water consumption, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that despite government earmarks of $1 billion dollars to support the water sector, 90% of country’s water continues to be used for agriculture, an unsustainable statistic caused by poor resource management and outdated conservation methods.

The Aral Sea, a lynchpin of the economies of western Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, has seen a 90% reduction in surface area since 2007, atop drastic volume losses dating back to the Soviet era. An estimated 36% of water used in Uzbekistan’s agriculture sector is lost in unlined water channels, with more lost due to poor irrigation methods. As a result, 70% of crops are watered with outdated methods. To remedy the growing crisis, Uzbekistan has expressed interest in U.S. private-sector proposals to modernize its Soviet-era equipment and systems. Special consideration may be given to projects designed for rural communities.

Canal lining, meters, drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, record management software, and pumps are just a few of the export opportunities open to U.S. companies. Uzbekistan is also seeking capacity-building and training related to corporate governance, financial management, service delivery, and modern conservation techniques.

U.S companies in the water and environmental sector are widely regarded for their innovative technologies, quality, and after the sale service and training, making them well-positioned to compete in the Uzbekistan market.

By July 2024, the government seeks to form additional public-private partnerships to manage drinking and sewage water supply. Prices will be set based on the cost of services. Build, operate, and transfer (BOT) projects are highly sought.

For export-related inquires and interest in pitching projects to the Government of Uzbekistan, U.S. companies are encouraged to reach out to Foreign Commercial Service Officer Jimmy Church in Ankara, Türkiye, and Garret Mitchell and Evan Johnson in the Department of Commerce’s Office of Russia, Ukraine & Eurasia.

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