By Vokhid Rakhimov, Kurultai R&C
I would like to share my recent secondment experience at Marmara University in Istanbul. As someone with a substantial background in working with industrial facilities (in particular cement production) in Uzbekistan, I embarked on this journey with a curious mind, aiming to understand how developing countries try to strike a delicate balance between economic development and industrial factories’ environmental impact.
My journey began as part of the EU-funded staff exchange project, “Central Asian Law,” a platform fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts in the region. I represent Tashkent-based Kurultai Research and Consulting company, a partner of this exchange project with Lund University as its coordinator. This project not only allowed me to broaden my horizons but also provided an invaluable opportunity to explore the complexities surrounding industrial development in my home country.
My background as an economist has equipped me with a deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges that arise in regions like my hometown Akhangaran, near Tashkent. This area is home to industrial production encompassing chemical plants, cement production, gold, copper and coal mining. They play a pivotal role in the local economy, creating employment opportunities, contributing significantly to tax revenues. On the other hand, the very industries that fuel economic growth also cast a long shadow of environmental hazards over the local population. Chemical plants, cement production, and mining activities inherently produce by-products that, if not managed carefully, pose significant threats to the environment and, consequently, the health of the communities residing nearby.
My secondment experience at Marmara University in Istanbul served as an eye-opener, enabling me to contextualize the challenges faced by regions like Akhangaran within the broader global discourse on sustainable development. The academic and policy experts I engaged with during this period provided valuable insights into potential frameworks and policies that could help strike a more equitable balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.
At Marmara University, I had the privilege of interacting with a diverse array of individuals, ranging from academic scholars to policy experts. These conversations were instrumental in gaining insights into different perspectives on sustainable development and environmental conservation. The diversity of opinions and experiences shared by the people I met enriched my understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in the delicate balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.
One of the highlights of my secondment was my participation in the final conference and closing ceremony of the “Central Asian Law” project, which took place in early February. This event served as a platform for me to share my research ideas and findings, fostering meaningful discussions with fellow participants. Seeking feedback and advice from this diverse group of experts was an invaluable aspect of my journey, allowing me to refine my ideas and plan a clearer path forward. The insights gathered during my secondment have ignited a passion for delving deeper into these academic questions.
As I reflect on my experiences in Istanbul, I am planning to start a PhD in economics at Tashkent State University of Economics. I want to bring a nuanced understanding of how legal cultures, local business setups, and governance in Uzbekistan are linked to the challenges faced by developing nations in balancing economic growth and environmental protection.