Key tasks in the field of water management today include prudent management of water resources, digitalization of irrigation processes, and efficient use of modern technologies. Female specialists working in Uzbekistan's water management system studied advanced experience in these areas during a training trip to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.
Relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have reached a new level following the meeting of the presidents of the two states in Cholponat. During this meeting, more than ten bilateral agreements based on mutual interests were signed.
Khurshid Akhmedov, Deputy Head of the Farghana Region, noted the historical significance of this meeting, emphasizing that the results will primarily be felt by the peoples of both countries. According to him, the number of border crossings between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan will be increased to 30. This will allow people to travel freely, conduct business, study, and vacation.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Sadir Japarov concluded high-level negotiations on July 30, signing an agreement on partnership relations. A document was also adopted regarding amendments and additions to the intergovernmental agreement concerning the crossing of the state border.
Furthermore, the rules for the stay of citizens of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in the territory of each country have been simplified. In accordance with the protocol signed on July 30, the period of stay for citizens in the neighboring country, whether permanent or temporary, has been increased from the previous five days to fifteen days, which does not require registration.
Khurshid Akhmedov added that such improvements contribute to the rapid development of the tourism sector between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The implementation of a project to construct centralized water supply systems in the center of the Karman district of the Navoi region has begun. During the solemn ceremony of laying the foundation for the facilities that will be built as part of the project, the head of the 'Uzsuvtaʼminot' Administration, Ahmad Suvonkulov, the deputy governor of the region, Akbar Niyozov, the head of the Karman district, Shohrukh Boltayev, and public representatives took part.
It is emphasized that in recent years, close attention has been paid to ensuring the population receives quality utility services, modernizing engineering and communication infrastructure, and strengthening environmental safety in the country.
One of the key documents aimed at achieving these goals is the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated March 18, 2022, on measures to implement projects for the construction and reconstruction of water supply systems in the Karman district of the Navoi region and in the Shahrisabz city and Kitob district of the Kashkadarya region. In accordance with this decision, a large investment project is being implemented to create centralized water supply systems in the Karman district of the Navoi region.
The total cost of the project is 28.5 million US dollars. Of this amount, 25.2 million US dollars are financed by the French Development Agency, and the remaining 3.3 million US dollars are covered by the Republic of Uzbekistan.
According to Azh Otabek Zaripov, head of 'Navoiysuvtaʼminoti', the project will be implemented in three stages. The first stage will involve the construction of a modern wastewater treatment facility with a capacity of 8.2 thousand cubic meters. The second stage plans for the creation of water pipelines spanning 152 kilometers. The final stage includes the construction of four pumping stations (PS) for pumping wastewater and associated pressure pipelines.
As a result of the project's implementation, 55 thousand residents of the Karman district will receive centralized water supply for the first time. Furthermore, the coverage rate of this service in the region will increase from the current 0 percent to 90 percent.
The design is being carried out by the consortium 'SAFEGE Ankara' from Turkey and 'TUMAS2'. Technical support is provided by 'SEURECA' from France, '2Global Business Service' from Uzbekistan, and 'SMEC International PTY' from Australia. To date, $2.8 million has been attracted within the framework of the project. Tender procedures for the construction of the wastewater treatment facility have been completed, and a contract with the contractor is expected to be signed. Additionally, all design work for the pumping stations and water pipelines has been finalized, and the practical phase has begun.
It is planned to attract $10 million for the construction of the wastewater treatment facility in 2026, complete two major tenders, and sign agreements with contracting organizations.
A fundamental shift is occurring in global demography. While concerns several decades ago were focused on excessive population growth, the primary threat today is the sharp decline in birth rates and population aging.
To maintain demographic stability and prevent natural population decline, an average rate of 2.1 children per woman is required. However, more than half of the world's population lives in countries where this safe rate is lower.
The most serious consequences of the crisis are visible in Asia and Europe. In South Korea, which was considered an absolute record holder for the process, the fertility rate hovers around 0.7. High real estate costs, intense competition in the labor market, and the expenses of raising children force young people to forgo starting a family and having children.
In Japan, which has become one of the oldest nations, this figure is approximately 1.2, and the country's population is shrinking by hundreds of thousands annually. China, which long pursued the 'One child, one family' policy, has also fallen into a severe demographic trap: the fertility rate reached 1, and the population began to decrease. As a result, India has taken the position of having the largest population.
The situation in Europe is also critical: the average birth rate across the continent is 1.46. For example, Italy (1.2) and Spain (1.16) are facing serious population aging. In the USA, the rate is 1.6, and the demographic balance is mainly maintained through external immigration.
The sharp drop in birth rates worldwide is linked to several interconnected factors. Firstly, urbanization and the high cost of living in cities place significant pressure on family budgets. Secondly, as women receive higher education and have more opportunities for career advancement, the age of marriage is noticeably postponed. Thirdly, family and personal values are changing: among the younger generation, the tradition of living without children or limiting themselves to one child is becoming popular.
The demographic crisis entails serious economic and social consequences. The reduction in the workforce and the increase in the number of pensioners create unprecedented strain on state budgets and pension systems. Economic growth and innovation rates are slowing down, and due to a lack of children, schools and kindergartens are closing, while the demand for nursing homes is increasing.
Despite developed countries (South Korea, Japan, and European countries) allocating huge financial resources and providing tax incentives to stimulate birth rates, these efforts have not yet yielded the expected results. In regions such as Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, and in Africa, high birth rates persist. Consequently, a sharp change in the balance of economic power in the world and the direction of global labor migration is possible in the near future.
