Uzbekistan is set to attract new investments in waste management and water treatment sectors. This development follows a meeting held on April 30, between Aziz Abdukhakimov, the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, and Omar N. Al-Midani, the President and CEO of UAE-based company Vision Invest.
The meeting served as a platform to introduce the visiting delegation to Uzbekistan's sweeping administrative reforms, particularly in the realm of ecology and environmental conservation. The Uzbek side presented a comprehensive overview of the nation's objectives and priorities outlined in the presidential decree No. RP-171, issued on May 31, 2023. This decree delineates measures aimed at bolstering the efficiency of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change.
Key among these objectives is the imperative to align Uzbekistan's waste management services with international standards. Emphasis was placed on elevating the recycling rates of household waste, curbing landfill accumulation, and mitigating adverse environmental impacts. The principle of "zero waste" and the promotion of a circular economy emerged as central tenets of Uzbekistan's environmental strategy.
Subsequent to deliberations, both parties affirmed their commitment to fostering collaborative ventures in hazardous waste management and water purification. The agreements reached underscore the mutual aspiration to ameliorate environmental conditions and enhance the quality of life for Uzbekistan's populace.
Annually, Uzbekistan produces an average of 6.8 mn tons of domestic waste. While sanitation services now cover over 90% of mahallas in recent years, the rate of waste recycling remains subpar. Presently, there are merely 313 enterprises engaged in such endeavors.
Under the Presidential Decree, actions will be taken to invigorate these efforts. Effective June 1, 2024, the trading of secondary raw materials from household waste will be exclusively conducted through exchanges. Furthermore, a system for the separate collection and categorization of waste into "recyclable," "non-recyclable," and "organic" segments will be implemented. Initiatives for private sector engagement in waste collection and recycling will be fostered.
To combat illegal waste disposal, stricter penalties are imposed, including obligations for offenders to clean up and remove waste from the sites where it was illicitly discarded.
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