Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 16 July 2025, a roundtable discussion titled “Innovative Approaches to the Development of Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems in Uzbekistan” was held in Tashkent.

The event gathered experts from international financial and development institutions, representatives of various ministries and agencies, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Temur Butunbaev.

The main objective of the roundtable was to outline both short- and long-term priorities for the development of water supply and sanitation systems, recognizing their critical role in improving the population’s quality of life. Participants also reviewed draft policy documents, proposed innovative solutions, and discussed integration of international experience into the sector.

The event focused on modern, globally recognized approaches for the sustainable development of Uzbekistan’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as potential financing mechanisms.

Key areas of discussion included:

Expanding the involvement and role of the private sector in water supply systems;

Identifying necessary reforms and devising practical measures for their implementation;

Revising tariff policies and initiating reforms in pricing and cost recovery;

Implementing promising projects based on public-private partnership (PPP) models.

At the conclusion of the roundtable, participants reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the effective management of the water sector, attracting investment, ensuring access to quality water services, and continuing the exchange of ideas and best practices.