The European Union (EU) will allocate grants amounting to €12mn to improve water supply and develop inclusive livestock farming in Uzbekistan. This move is part of the EU’s ongoing commitment to support sustainable development in the region.
Agreements for Sustainable Development
On December 22 last year, the EU Delegation and the Representative Office of the French Development Agency (FDA) in Uzbekistan signed two agreements. These agreements focus on financing drinking water and sustainable livestock programs, aiming to enhance the quality of life and economic prospects in the region.
Livestock Farming Development
€4.7mn will be allocated for the inclusive development of livestock farming. This funding represents the second tranche of EU grant funding, which totals €11.5mn. This amount will supplement the €100mn loan previously provided by the FDA. The livestock sector is a key economic sector in Uzbekistan, constituting about 13% of GDP and about 50% of agricultural GDP.
Water Supply Improvement
To ensure access to a well-managed water supply, the EU will allocate €7.9mn. As a result, approximately 610,000 consumers in seven districts located in the Tashkent, Fergana, and Kashkadarya regions will benefit from reliable and efficient water supply systems.
The water supply program will implement three components:
- Construction, reconstruction, and expansion of drinking water supply systems to replace outdated infrastructure.
- Capacity building of Uzsuvtaminot and regional Suttaminot.
- Promoting gender equality in the internal and external activities of the Uzsuvtaminot and Suvtaminot companies.
Future Cooperation
In November 2022, the government of Uzbekistan and the FDA approved a new cooperation program until 2025. It is planned to allocate more than €1bn to joint projects in the areas of agriculture, energy, green economy, urban development, water supply, banking and financial sector, and transport. This cooperation program signifies a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals in Uzbekistan.
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