Uzbekistan

An innovative cooperation project for sustainable economic development in Uzbekistan

Since 2021, the Bildungswerk der Sächsischen Wirtschaft (bsw) has been working with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan (CCIU) on a pioneering project to strengthen chamber structures and promote economic transformation in Uzbekistan. The aim of the partnership is to professionalise the CCIU as an efficient service provider and representative of the interests of the Uzbek economy and to position it for the future – with a particular focus on the regional chambers and the expansion of practical services for companies.

What we have achieved:

1. Organisational development & professionalisation

• Development of a future-oriented chamber strategy
• Introduction of a code of conduct and clear job profiles
• Expansion of new departments, including for exports, investments and management consulting

2. Strengthening of regional chambers

• Regular coordination meetings with headquarters
• Joint company surveys in five pilot regions
• Establishment of a coordination office to improve cooperation

3. New services for businesses

• Introduction of market-oriented services such as business plan consulting, investor search and mediation
• Training of 132 chamber employees on export, consulting and service development
• Training of 10 multipliers in modern moderation methods

4. Contribution to export promotion

• Transfer of central promotional functions from government agencies to the CCIU
• Management of the national export promotion agency by the Chamber
• Establishment of a German-Uzbek economic office to strengthen bilateral cooperation

5. First steps towards dual vocational training

• Strategic focus of the chamber on dual training offers in 2–3 regions
• Training and awareness-raising on the role of the private sector in vocational training
• Close alignment with the government's reform course

Why the project works

The project was launched in a highly dynamic reform environment – and provided the right impetus at the right time. Today, the CCIU is increasingly recognised as a strategic partner of the government, and its role as a bridge between the state and the economy is growing steadily.

Through a combination of …

• …  participatory strategy development;
• … flexible project management;
• … clear quality standards and
• … practice-oriented further training

…the CCIU has been strengthened in its role as a modern service provider and prepared for sustainable growth. With the help of the CCIU, jobs were also created in rural areas and companies were supported with tailor-made services.

Prospects: Sustainable impact & future perspectives

With the end of the first project phase in August 2025, it is clear that the bsw project has enabled structural changes and laid important foundations for a second phase.

Planned priorities for a possible follow-up phase:

• Deepening the Chamber's expertise in vocational training
• Further development of the service portfolio
• Expanding train-the-trainer concepts
• Promoting SMEs in growth sectors
• Institutionalising the CCIU as a reliable partner for German companies

Project promoter: Bildungswerk der Sächsischen Wirtschaft (bsw)

Local partner: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan (CCIU) and the pilot regions of Fergana, Namangan, Andijan, Choresm, Samarkand

Duration: 38 monthes (2022 to 2025) und die Pilotregionen Fergana, Namangan, Andijan, Choresm, Samarkand