Post by GIZ Central Asia

“It is good to see things move forward!” Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visits joint project of GIZ and the Papenburg company in Uzbekistan. On Thursday (18 June), German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender visited the Tashkent branch of GP Günter Papenburg AG. Skilled labour mobility and dual vocational training were central topics on the second day of the President’s visit. During a gallery walk, institutions and employees showcased their work to the President and the accompanying business delegation. Alongside stands from the Goethe-Institute, Klett Publishing, and the German-Uzbek Medical Academy, a newly launched BMZ-funded developPPP initiative co-developed by GIZ was presented. The agreement between GIZ and Papenburg had been signed shortly before the visit. Co-funded by the Skilled Workers Alliance WE-Fair, through GIZ’s Partnerships for Development-Oriented Labour Migration (PAM), the project supports the establishment of a Training and Competence Centre (TCC) in Andijan. The centre will serve as a “career exploration hub,” enabling young Uzbeks to gain practical experience in construction-related professions and laying the foundation for vocational training opportunities in Uzbekistan or Germany. It will also strengthen nearby vocational schools, VET teachers, and language training in cooperation with the Berlin Zentrum, supported by the Goethe Institute. The initiative was presented by Joachim Fritz, GIZ Country Director, Matthias Klingenberg, team leader of TexVET II, and Mansur and Azimjon from Andijan, two young participants aspiring to become professional truck drivers in Germany. Fritz discussed the initiative with the President and business delegation as an example of successful cooperation between international development and the private sector. It illustrates how projects can benefit both Uzbek and German interests and how similar approaches in water, energy, climate, trade, logistics, and health can deepen strategic partnerships between Germany and Central Asia. Mrs. Büdenbender spoke with Klingenberg about local factors in vocational orientation. He explained that involving parents early is crucial in Uzbekistan and highlighted how introducing Germany’s dual vocational training system benefits both Uzbek and German companies by creating a basis for skilled labour migration. The President and his wife, together with the business delegation, expressed appreciation to GIZ for these forward-looking measures. Steinmeier concluded: “It is good to see things move forward!” Photo – Courtesy of Migration Agency Uzbekistan