The problem of the Aral Sea desiccation is considered one of the largest environmental catastrophes in human history. Once a vast body of water that was a source of life for the entire region, it has turned into a desert and salt flats. In the context of climate change, population growth, and increasing economic needs, water is gaining ever more strategic importance.
In such a complex situation, the choice of Uzbekistan for a special study by the UN organization 'UN-Water' in 2026 is not accidental. The organization assessed the country's achievements in effective water resource management as an important international experience consistent with the sixth Sustainable Development Goal.
Its geographical location places Uzbekistan among countries sensitive to water issues. A significant part of renewable water resources is formed from external sources. Major transboundary rivers, such as the Amu Darya, Syr Darya, Zarafshan, and Chirchik, are closely linked to regional cooperation. Therefore, effective water resource management is not only an economic issue but also a matter of foreign policy and security.
According to the report, most of the country's territory is located in a dry climate zone. The Aralkum region, which emerged as a result of the almost complete disappearance of the sea, further exacerbates environmental pressure.
One of the key factors that attracted the attention of 'UN-Water' analysts was the relatively rapid achievement of results in reducing water consumption. Data shows that the water deficit level in the country was 169% in 2017, but by 2021, it had decreased to 122%. This 47% reduction over four years was recognized as a high positive rate internationally.
However, behind these figures lies another important point: the changes occurred not due to natural factors, but as a result of reforms in the management system. Specifically, total water consumption decreased from 58.9 billion cubic meters to 42.5 billion cubic meters. The main savings were achieved in agriculture, which accounts for 92% of the water consumed in the country.
The report emphasizes that political leadership was prioritized over technological solutions. The authors of the study specifically note that the water issue has been elevated to the level of state policy in the country. In the 'Uzbekistan-2030' strategy, rational water use, increased irrigation efficiency, and the introduction of modern technologies are defined as priority tasks. The core of the UN assessment is that the water crisis in Uzbekistan can be mitigated not only by building new canals or pumps but also by changing the management system, updating financial mechanisms, and reshaping societal attitudes towards resources.
One of the features noted in the UN document is the implementation of economic mechanisms that stimulate efficient water use. Unlike many other countries where discussions about water saving lacked clear economic benefits for the farmer, the approach in Uzbekistan has changed. Farmers who seek to implement water-saving technologies are provided with preferential loans, and state subsidies and tax incentives are applied after equipment installation.
Thus, the system has transformed water saving from an environmental requirement into an economic benefit. As a result, technologies such as drip irrigation, sprinkling, and laser leveling are rapidly developing.
According to the report, the country has begun to rely more actively on digital technologies in water resource management. Water consumption data is collected in real time using smart meters and sensors. This not only reduces losses but also makes the decision-making process more accurate.
Another important innovation is the introduction of an electronic payment system. Problems that previously arose in accounting are being eliminated by digital solutions. Control over water use and the financial stability of the sector have now been strengthened.
Analysts believe that in the future, competition in this field will depend not on infrastructure but on data quality and management efficiency, and Uzbekistan is moving in this direction.
No technology can yield the expected results without qualified personnel. Therefore, a School of Water Specialists has been established in the country, covering all regions, where farmers and industry employees are trained in modern irrigation methods and new technologies.
UN experts highly value this experience as an interesting institutional mechanism in the water sector, as credit, technology, and education are integrated into a single chain within this system. Furthermore, a master's program in international water diplomacy has been launched at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, preparing a new generation of specialists to address transboundary river issues.
The most impressive part of the report relates to the Aral Sea. Where a vast body of water once stretched, millions of hectares of new desert have formed today. Uzbekistan is implementing a global ecological rehabilitation program, covering these areas with sorghum and other drought-resistant crops.
The UN assesses this project not only as an environmental one but also as an innovative approach. The goal is not just to green the land but also to reduce dust and salt storms, protect public health, and strengthen climate stability in the region.
'UN-Water' analysts concluded that Uzbekistan has not yet fully solved the water deficit problem. Tasks remain for further reducing water consumption, protecting groundwater, and ensuring adequate water supply to ecosystems. Nevertheless, the main result is that the reforms carried out in the water sector in recent years have formed a completely new approach to the acute problem of Central Asia. This explains the selection of Uzbekistan for the UN's special study in 2026.
Amid growing competition for water resources, the country's experience is becoming not only nationally significant but also an important example for the future development, environmental safety, and regional stability of Central Asia.
Bukhara is becoming an increasingly attractive region not only due to its ancient historical and cultural heritage but also in the sphere of industry and investment. Thanks to large-scale reforms being carried out in the province, the creation of a favorable environment for investors, and the new level of international cooperation, leading global companies are showing significant interest in Bukhara.
One of the major partners that has shown interest is China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corporation (CPECC)—an influential engineering and construction company from China specializing in the oil and gas industry. CPECC is part of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). Founded in 1980, this company is recognized as one of the largest engineering and construction contractors in the oil and gas industry, with over forty years of experience. It regularly appears in international rankings as one of the 225 largest contracting organizations.
CPECC provides services covering the entire production cycle in the oil and gas sector. Its activities include the construction of large industrial facilities based on the EPC model (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), engineering consulting, technological construction and installation, manufacturing of modern equipment, as well as facility operation and maintenance.
The company has been operating in Uzbekistan's energy sector for over ten years. During this period, CPECC has made a significant contribution to strengthening strategic partnership between the two countries by participating in the implementation of the country's most important energy projects. Among the implemented projects are the modernization of the oil refinery in Bukhara in cooperation with JSC Uzbekneftegaz, the construction of a main gas pipeline with a total length of 410 kilometers for the Kandim gas field, the construction of gas collection infrastructure at 53 well sites and 24 complex technological stations, the creation of ground facilities for gas condensate fields in the Bukhara region, and the construction of compressor stations and auxiliary facilities for the 'Central Asia – China' main gas pipeline in Uzbekistan.
Currently, the company is moving to a new important stage of its activities. Plans include establishing new production of modern technological equipment for the modernization of oil refineries and petrochemical complexes in the special industrial zone 'Bukhara Industrial Complex'. This will not only allow for the production of products that substitute imports but also create high value-added products, open new jobs, and increase the potential of local industry.
Discussions regarding this promising project took place between the Governor of the Bukhara region, Botir Zaripov, and the company's coordinator in Uzbekistan, Fan Ziyu. The meeting involved detailed discussions on the organizational, technical, and investment aspects of the project's implementation. The Governor emphasized that thanks to the country's open and pragmatic economic policy, a stable and reliable business environment has been formed in Bukhara for both local and foreign investors. He also provided detailed information about the tax and customs benefits offered to investors in the special industrial zone, as well as about the developed engineering and communication networks and convenient infrastructure, stating his readiness to provide comprehensive practical assistance in implementing this project.
The parties agreed to continue negotiations, prepare technical and economic documents, and advance the project to a practical stage.
A forum dedicated to market control was held at the National Center for Mass Information of Uzbekistan. The event took place with the participation of representatives from the Technical Regulation Inspection.
The forum reviewed ongoing reforms in this area, specifically the transition from traditional control procurement to a modern market supervision system. A report on the results of work for January-May of the current year was also presented. The inspection's management emphasized that systematic work is being carried out to ensure product safety and protect consumer rights.
During the past period, the inspection conducted state supervisory activities in 222 enterprises. In the course of inspections, 252 types of products were examined, and it was found that 214 of them, or almost 85 percent, did not comply with established technical regulations and standards. The total value of non-compliant products exceeded 4.3 billion sums.
Furthermore, the forum specifically highlighted 48 cases of selling uncertified products, totaling 12.5 billion sums, as well as 20 types of products that did not meet quality requirements at all.
Representatives of the inspection also paid attention to metrological requirements alongside product quality. It was found that 6,635 out of 8,258 inspected measuring instruments had not been calibrated according to established procedures. This indicates that measurement accuracy was not ensured in production and service provision processes.
The majority of violations are related to the production of building materials, the chemical industry, electrical engineering, light industry, metallurgy, machine building, and boiler equipment. It was separately noted that the share of non-compliant products is higher in regions such as Tashkent, Fergana, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khorezm, and Surkhandarya.
Measures taken against violators were disclosed. According to responsible persons, administrative protocols were drawn up against 223 managers and employees. Fines amounting to 172.5 million sums have been imposed on 206 of them, of which 84.6 million sums have currently been collected; legal proceedings are ongoing for the remaining cases. Additionally, documents for financial fines totaling almost 8 billion sums have been prepared against 61 enterprises.
The inspection also reported that demands for voluntary payment totaling 6.6 billion sums were sent to 47 enterprises, and lawsuits amounting to 1.4 billion sums have been filed in court against 15 enterprises.
Regarding preventive measures, it was stated that warning letters were sent to 7,954 business entities since the beginning of the year. Ninety control procurements were conducted to protect the consumer market, and 163 product samples were tested in laboratories. According to preliminary results, it was found that 61 products do not meet safety requirements, while 73 products were deemed compliant. Testing of the remaining 29 products is still underway.
It was emphasized that official warnings were sent to the Customs Commission and conformity assessment bodies to restrict the free circulation of these products until deficiencies are rectified.
The activity of the certification system and laboratories was also discussed at the forum. Upon reviewing 500 documents issued by 51 certification bodies, deficiencies were found in 485 of them, and corresponding instructions were issued. During the inspection of laboratory technical capabilities, 194 premises were examined, of which accreditation was confirmed in 183, and 13 laboratories that did not meet the requirements were rejected.
At the conclusion of the event, inspection representatives agreed on future plans. Specifically, increased supervision is planned for January-September 2026, conducting 6,450 preventive measures, 135 control procurements, and sending 6,300 warning letters to entrepreneurs based on risk analysis. During the forum, journalists received answers to their questions in an atmosphere of open dialogue.
In the new Uzbekistan, elevating the value of the individual and reliably protecting legitimate interests has become a priority direction of state policy. Today, the consumer has broad legal opportunities to appeal, restore justice, and receive compensation for damages if their rights are violated.
In the city of Zarafshan, a citizen concluded a sales contract for a two-room apartment with a construction company for a total amount of 295 million sums, having paid 136 million sums. However, because the construction work was performed poorly and the apartment was not handed over on schedule, the consumer demanded the cancellation of the contract and the return of the deposited funds. Multiple appeals to the head of the construction company went unheeded.
Subsequently, the citizen turned to the Consumer Rights Protection Society of Zarafshan city. During an inspection conducted by the society's employees regarding this complaint, the arguments presented by the citizen were confirmed. Since reaching a mutually acceptable solution between the parties proved impossible, the society filed a lawsuit in court, defending the consumer's legitimate interests.
The court reviewed the case from all sides and fully satisfied the claims of the lawsuit. According to the court's decision, the construction firm is obliged to return the sum of 136 million sums to the consumer, which he paid. As a result, these funds were fully recovered, and the citizen's violated rights were restored.
The consumer protection system demonstrates effectiveness not only through judicial proceedings but also through the prompt examination of complaints and dispute resolution through mutual agreement.
Citizen A.E., residing in the Mustaqillik Mahalla, Nurota District, purchased 165 sheets of slate for 7 million 590 thousand sums for his house. Nevertheless, after covering the roof, it began to leak during the rain, and it was established that the product quality did not meet the required level. After appeals to the seller yielded no positive results, the consumer turned to the Consumer Rights Protection Society of Nurota District.
The society's specialists studied the situation and explained the entrepreneur the current legislative norms. As a result of the legal actions taken, all defective slate sheets in the citizen's house were replaced with new ones.
Such examples clearly demonstrate the practical effectiveness of the legal reforms being carried out in the country. Most importantly, citizens' confidence in defending their rights, relying on the law, and achieving justice is constantly strengthening.
