Nukus, Uzbekistan [May 13, 2023]– Dr. Jaeseung Lee, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Deputy Director for Asia and Head of Emerging Economies, visited Uzbekistan for a high-level mission to bolster project implementation and forge partnerships. Dr. Lee had the opportunity to strengthen institutional ties between GGGI, government stakeholders, and development partners. Additionally, he demonstrated the progress made by GGGI in advancing climate resilience and fostering green growth in Uzbekistan.
During the period of May 3rd to 8th, Dr. Lee engaged in productive discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources, namely Dr. Jusipbek Kazbekov, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Their discussions revolved around future collaborative project with GGGI and the potential for green investment mobilization under the existing ‘Green Rehabilitation Investment Project for Karakalpakstan Republic to Address Impacts of the Aral Sea Crisis’ (Aral Sea GRIP), funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) with5.6 Million USD. Dr.Lee also held bilateral discussions with key officials, including Mr. Ilkhom Norkulov, Deputy Minister for Economy and Finance, Mr. Sarvar Khamidov, Deputy Minister for Investment, Industry and Trade, Ms. Sunjin Park, KOICA Country Representative to strengthen cooperation between the institutions.
Subsequently, Dr. Lee visited the second GGGI office located in Nukus, Karakalpakstan and attended the GGGI Uzbekistan team workshop on May 9th – 10th. During this workshop, Dr. Lee was briefed on the progress of the Aral Sea GRIP and shared valuable insights and experiences with team members.
On May 11th, H.E. Hee-sang Kim, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Ms. Sunjin Park, KOICA Uzbekistan Country Representative, arrived in Nukus to join a visit to the Aral Sea GRIP project sites. The delegation was accompanied by the GGGI representatives, including Dr. Lee and Dr. Aaron Russell, GGGI Uzbekistan Country Representative. The delegation was welcomed by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan (CMRK) represented by H.E. Farkhod Ermanov, Chairman of the CMRK. The Kor ean delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the updates and accomplishments of the Aral Sea GRIP’s progress ,alongside key local government stakeholders, including the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, Ministry of Public Education, Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations, and the Committee for Forestry.