Central Asia Forum in Tashkent Focuses on Productivity

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — An international and regional forum titled “Central Asia: From Productivity to Prosperity. Regional Dialogue” was held in the capital on 25–26 March 2026.

The event brought together representatives of Central Asian countries, international financial institutions, organizations, companies, and experts, providing a platform to discuss sustainable economic growth and improving welfare through productivity development.

Opening remarks were delivered by Indra Pradhana Singawinata, Secretary-General of the Asian Productivity Organization, Najy Benhassine, Director for Central Asia at the World Bank, and Beate Schoreit, Program Manager at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit. They outlined key priorities for expanding regional cooperation, fostering innovation, and developing human capital.

The forum discussions covered best international and local practices in applying artificial intelligence in the economy, improving individual productivity through human capital development, and the use of modern technologies in agriculture and agro-industrial enterprises. Strategic agreements of importance for Uzbekistan and the wider region were reached.

In partnership with GIZ, a project titled “Private Sector Development and Economic Policy Support” for 2026–2027 was launched, backed by a €3 million grant aimed at supporting entrepreneurship.

GIZ also reaffirmed its readiness to support Uzbekistan’s initiative to establish a National Productivity Center to promote a culture of efficiency at the national level.

Memorandums of cooperation were signed with the Asian Productivity Organization involving Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries, including the introduction of advanced German productivity standards at local enterprises.

Additional agreements were concluded between Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance and the ministries of economy and trade of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. Cooperation agreements were also signed between Uzagrostar Holding and the German Productivity Center, as well as with Integration International Management Consultants, focusing on experience exchange, efficient resource use, and zero-waste production.

Memorandums were also signed with the Korea Productivity Center and the Rationalization and Innovation Center of the German Economy, alongside a cooperation program with Türkiye’s Ministry of Industry and Technology.

The forum concluded with the adoption of the Tashkent Declaration on cooperation in productivity across Central Asia.

As part of the event, a creative video competition titled “Productivity Starts at School” was held, with winners receiving study trips to Germany, Japan, and Türkiye. Enterprises that achieved strong results in efficient resource use were recognized, while specialists who completed environmental management system training received international ISO 14001 certificates.

During the regional dialogue session, participants discussed ongoing reforms, future cooperation prospects, planned visits by international experts, and the organization of specialized training programs for local entrepreneurs.

On the second day, participants visited the Jizzakh and Samarkand regions, where they toured key industrial enterprises, including the Uzbek-Chinese Special Industrial Zone, Artel, the Deya confectionery factory, and ADM Jizzakh.

The visits provided insight into advanced practices in productivity improvement, innovation, and strengthening regional industrial capacity.

The forum marked an important step toward boosting productivity, advancing a green economy, and strengthening regional cooperation in Central Asia.