“Uzbekistan is on the rise, and we’re excited to be part of this journey,” said Sascha Karimpour, Partner at Plug and Play and Co-Founder of Plug and Play.

For nearly a century, the Durand Line has divided the Pashtun population between Afghanistan and Pakistan, creating a rift that has fueled political tensions and disrupted daily life for communities on both sides. In an open appeal to Pashtun leader Manzoor Pashteen, Mohibullah Noori, President of the Fajristan Regional Integration Movement, proposes a bold solution advocating for open borders and regional cooperation. Noori’s plan seeks to resolve the century-old border dispute, restore family and cultural ties, and promote peace through a four-stage process, focusing on political agreement, security, economic development, and social empowerment.

Matteo Patrone, EBRD’s Vice President of Banking, highlighted Uzbekistan’s role in green energy with a $65 million investment in a green hydrogen project. This pilot, powered by a 20 MW electrolyser and 52 MW wind plant, aims to replace grey hydrogen and boost sustainable agriculture. Patrone also underscored the importance of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for grid stability as Uzbekistan targets 25 GW of renewables by 2030. The EBRD plans to invest $2 billion in Central Asia in 2024, focusing on green transition, infrastructure upgrades, and inclusive SME support.

“The reforms Uzbekistan is undertaking are ambitious, but with the right support and collaboration, they are achievable. The EU stands ready to be a long-term partner in this journey,” Klaar said.