Uzbekistan and Rubicon Water to Expand Cooperation in Water Management Digitalization

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Minister of Water Resources of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Khamraev, held a meeting with Darren McGregor, Rubicon Water's Chief Executive Officer for North America. The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in digitalizing water management, modernizing irrigation infrastructure, and implementing advanced water resource management technologies.

The negotiations primarily focused on the implementation of joint initiatives, automating irrigation system management, deploying digital solutions, and improving the operational efficiency of hydraulic structures.

Shavkat Khamraev outlined the ongoing water management reforms in Uzbekistan, which were initiated by the country's President. These include the establishment of a unified digital platform for industry management, the automation of hydraulic facilities, and the widespread adoption of water-saving technologies.

Both sides highly praised the outcomes of a pilot project completed in the Kashkadarya region. As part of this initiative, 26 automated hydraulic structures equipped with remote control and monitoring systems were installed along a 13.4-kilometer section of the Mirishkor and Kamashi canals.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources, the project successfully enhanced the water supply across more than 6,500 hectares of irrigated land and boosted water distribution management efficiency by 30% to 40%.

The meeting also covered subsequent phases of irrigation infrastructure modernization, attracting international financing, and potential opportunities to localize Rubicon Water’s technologies and equipment directly within Uzbekistan.

Company representatives shared insights from their experience deploying similar digital solutions in Australia, the United States, India, China, and other countries.

Special attention was paid to workforce development. The ongoing cooperation with the "Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers" National Research University received positive recognition.

The sides reaffirmed their interest in further developing academic ties, including expanding collaboration with the University of Utah and the University of Melbourne. Additionally, they discussed prospects for partnering with the Research Institute of Irrigation and Water Problems under the Ministry of Water Resources on joint scientific research covering water conservation and automation technologies.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Shavkat Khamraev invited the leadership of Rubicon Water to attend the World Forum on Water Conservation and the international Water Tech Expo 2026, which will take place in Samarkand in the autumn of this year.

The company representatives accepted the invitation and confirmed their readiness to showcase their leading technologies and innovative developments at the event. Both parties emphasized their commitment to consistently building upon their cooperation in digitalizing water infrastructure and implementing joint long-term projects.