The project is supporting the Uzbek Government in implementing measures to promote job-creating Value Chains (VCs). In particular, the aim is to promote the development and ecological growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby improving the income and employment opportunities of disadvantaged rural groups. The project is focusing on the regions Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Surchandarya, the three regions of the Fergana Valley, Namangan, Andijan and Fergana, and the regions Djizak, Syrdarya and Kashkadarya.
The project consists of three components: A) Competence development for inclusive, ecological and market-based economic development, B) Value Chain development; C) Introduction of new (ecological) technologies, EU agricultural standards and social and environmental standards.
In cooperation with selected business interest groups and specialised institutions (chambers, associations, agricultural institutes), the capacities for regional economic development are strengthened and the range of services offered (information, advanced education, training, consulting) is expanded. Local and regional administrations and policy-makers are involved in this process, so that not only the capabilities of these actors in the field of regional/local economic development are strengthened, but also the dialogue between private and to public actors. At the macro level, the project cooperates with relevant ministries, research institutions and national academies. In the medium to long term, this will improve the regulatory and institutional framework conditions for inclusive and ecological economic development in the regions.