The World Bank has approved $35 million in concessional credit to help Uzbekistan improve access to geospatial data and support urban development.

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $35 million concessional credit to support Uzbekistan in strengthening its National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), which is crucial for managing the country’s rapid urbanization. The government will contribute an additional $5.7 million to the project.

Over half of Uzbekistan’s population now lives in urban areas, increasing pressure on land, infrastructure, and public services. However, the lack of reliable, detailed geospatial data limits effective planning, deters private investment, and weakens public service delivery.

To address these gaps, the project will support NSDI development through improved data collection, management, and sharing systems. It includes the creation of a national geoportal, three data centers, a national address registry, and the modernization of the land information system (UzKAD).

Regional upgrades will include 80 new GPS-based CORS stations, modern mapping tools, and a 3D city model pilot in Samarkand to help manage growth and climate risks.

“This project will improve data sharing, cadastral mapping, and infrastructure planning, helping to boost investor confidence and support sustainable development,” said Tatiana Proskuryakova, World Bank Director for Central Asia.

The initiative, to be implemented from 2025 to 2030 by the Cadastre Agency under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, aims to enhance transparency, facilitate private sector growth, and support better urban planning across Uzbekistan.

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