Visit of UNOPS Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia to Uzbekistan

During his visit, which lasted from 15 to 17 March, Mr. Karim met senior government representatives, as well as UNOPS local and international stakeholders and partners to discuss the prospects for cooperation in the implementation of two ongoing projects in Uzbekistan with major contributions to the SDG3 – Good Health and Well-being. Discussions focused on emerging priorities and key aspects of strengthening the preparedness of the healthcare system in the country through the projects on modernization of Oncological Institutions of the Republic of Uzbekistan with loan funds from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the Emergency Response to COVID-19 with the loan funds of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), as well as further development of cooperation between the Government of Uzbekistan and UNOPS in the field of infrastructure, procurement and project management.

“UNOPS has made impressive progress towards our goal of helping to make a positive difference in the lives of people in Uzbekistan since its establishment here in December 2022,” Mr. Karim noted. “As the implementing arm of the United Nations, UNOPS is uniquely positioned to serve people by efficiently and effectively delivering projects and programmes that improve people's lives. I am confident that UNOPS’ presence in Uzbekistan will bring forth great potential for further development and cooperation in supporting the Government by providing expertise in efficient project, procurement and infrastructure management,” he added.

Director of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan (SES), Mr. Bakhodir Yusupaliev, highlighted a positive impact of UNOPS’ implementation capacity on local infrastructure and procurement.

“We are delighted to join forces with UNOPS in our mission to strengthen the preparedness of our healthcare system. Our partnership is a testament to our strong commitment to continue working with UNOPS on the delivery of sustainable development projects,” he said.

Mr. Karim also discussed future collaborative opportunities with representatives of ADB and World Bank in Uzbekistan and emphasized the importance of having a clear strategy and sustainable solutions to drive economic and social development.

For the past two years, UNOPS has been actively supporting the Government of Uzbekistan in overcoming the health and socio-economic crisis caused by COVID-19 through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Emergency Response Assistance Programme. As part of this Programme, UNOPS conducted a delivery of modern medical diagnostic equipment to seven medical institutions, installation and training of local staff.

To recall, on 25 October 2022, UNOPS signed a Project Agreement on Modernization of Oncological Institutions of the Republic of Uzbekistan - Phase II with loan funds from the ISDB at a total cost of $64.8 million. On 23 December 2022, UNOPS signed a Project Agreement on Emergency Response to COVID-19 to increase Uzbekistan's resilience to COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics with the loan funds of ADB and AIIB in the total amount of $160.7 million.

About UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.org