Investment surge ringing in green future for Uzbekistan

Speakers at the International Investment Forum in Tashkent provided highlighted the growing investment potential in Uzbekistan’s recycling industry.

Uzbekistan attracted approximately US$ 60 billion (EUR 55.7 billion) in foreign investment over the past six years. With gross domestic product growth reaching 6% last year, it is likely more investments will follow, especially in the area of sustainability.

The need for waste recycling initiatives is a ‘priority’ for the country, says Botirjon Khamraev, deputy mayor of Andijan region. He reports there are concrete opportunities to invest US$ 30 million in waste recycling projects, with a return on investment within three years.

Uzbekistan is home to over 35 million people. The nation produces 7 million tonnes of household waste per year. There are some 300 recycling companies processing only 1.8 million tonnes of the material.

It is key to enhance recycling infrastructure to boost recycling rates from less than 30% to 50% by 2025, according to Umarbek Khalilov, the first deputy chairman of the government’s Ecology Committee. He is advocating for the installation of 40 new sorting lines as well as the construction of 437 new waste collection sites, plus the construction of dedicated medical waste recycling hubs.

Source: Daryo