Detail of the Tillakori Medrese in Samarkand, an Islamic university from the 17th century. The building was long used as a mosque.

Uzbekistan

With some 36 million inhabitants, Uzbekistan is by far the most populous country in Central Asia. It plays a key role in both the economic development and the security of the region and is thus an important partner country for Germany in terms of development cooperation.

Formally, Uzbekistan is a democratic republic. The most important political powers are in the hands of the president, however. A parliamentary opposition criticising the government does not exist; there is virtually no division of powers.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been head of state since 2016. He has embarked on an ambitious course of reform aimed at turning Uzbekistan into a democratic market economy and is putting a focus on regional and international cooperation.

German development cooperation with Uzbekistan

Germany is supporting the reform efforts of the Uzbek government in the areas of health, ecological transformation and modernisation of the administration.

During the government negotiations in November 2022, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) committed up to 195 million euros for 2022 and 2023 in support for its partner country, with 175 million euros being allocated to Financial Cooperation projects and 20 million euros to Technical Cooperation projects. With this record commitment of funds, the BMZ expressly recognises the Uzbek government’s reform willingness and the progress already achieved in modernising the country.

Development cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany currently focuses on four core areas:

Peaceful and inclusive societies | Area of intervention: good governance
Sustainable economic development, training and employment | Areas of intervention: technical and vocational education and training, private sector and financial sector development
Climate and energy, just transition | Area of intervention: sustainable urban development
Health, social protection and population policy | Area of intervention: health, pandemics and One Health

Uzbekistan also benefits from transnational projects being implemented in the region. These include projects dealing with legal and judicial reforms, climate risk management, trade and the sustainable utilisation of natural resources. Germany’s activities are closely aligned with the common strategy of the European Union for cooperation with Uzbekistan.

The aim of the cooperation is to modernise Uzbekistan’s public administration sector and strengthen its efficiency and responsiveness to citizens. The GIZ, on behalf of the BMZ, is advising the Uzbek government on developing and implementing reform plans that meet the principles of good governance, and on designing training courses for the administrative staff.

One focus of Germany’s cooperation with Uzbekistan is on strengthening local and regional economic development, especially in the areas of agriculture, tourism and handicrafts. One example is the development of a tourism strategy for northern Uzbekistan.

The overriding goal of Uzbekistan’s reform policy is to bring tangible improvements to people’s lives and improve their living conditions in the spirit of a Just Transition. One focus is on municipal water supply and sanitation.

Mother and child ward in the hospital in Almalik, Uzbekistan

Climate change, international trade, increased global mobility, as well as changes in lifestyles, ways of working and eating habits are causing big challenges for health systems worldwide. This became very evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The BMZ is assisting the Uzbek government in improving the country's healthcare system.