28 September – 2 October 2026 | Uzbekistan
Eleven representatives of groundwater drilling companies from Tajikistan’s Sughd Region participated in a five-day knowledge-sharing visit to Uzbekistan from 28 September to 2 October 2026. The visit was organized by Equidev under the Swiss Government-funded Groundwater Management Project (GWMP), implemented by HELVETAS and its partners.
The visit aimed to familiarize participants with developments in Uzbekistan’s groundwater drilling sector, including regulatory requirements, professional practices, drilling technologies and opportunities for cooperation. It also provided an opportunity to explore experiences and approaches that could contribute to improving groundwater drilling practices in Tajikistan.
Learning from Uzbekistan’s Experience
During meetings with Uzbek specialists, participants learned about the country’s regulatory and institutional framework for groundwater drilling, including company registration, licensing, permitting procedures and professional training. Discussions also covered technical aspects of well construction, operational requirements and the responsibilities of drilling companies.
These exchanges allowed participants to compare practices in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, discuss common challenges and identify approaches that could be relevant to the Tajik groundwater drilling sector.
Discovering Equipment Manufacturing Opportunities Close to Home
One of the most interesting and unexpected experiences for the Tajik drilling companies was visiting the Krantas Group manufacturing plant and specialized workshops producing drilling equipment, components and spare parts.
Participants were particularly surprised to discover that equipment and components relevant to their operations are manufactured in neighbouring Uzbekistan, relatively close to Sughd Region. For companies that face challenges in accessing suitable drilling equipment and spare parts, this discovery highlighted potential opportunities to establish direct contacts with manufacturers and suppliers.
The delegation also visited an active groundwater drilling site, where participants observed cable-tool drilling operations and discussed practical aspects of well construction. A visit to a completed groundwater well provided further insights into well completion and installation arrangements.
Combining technical discussions with visits to manufacturing facilities and drilling sites enabled participants to observe practical solutions, exchange experiences with Uzbek specialists and consider their relevance to operations in Tajikistan.
Looking Ahead
The study visit highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Tajik groundwater drilling companies and manufacturers and specialists in Uzbekistan, particularly regarding access to drilling equipment, spare parts and technical expertise.
The knowledge and experience gained will also contribute to Equidev’s ongoing activities under the Groundwater Management Project, including the development of a practical training programme and voluntary professional guidance for groundwater drilling companies in Sughd Region.
Through these efforts, Equidev and its partners aim to promote more professional, technically sound and environmentally responsible groundwater drilling practices in Tajikistan.
