Management education for Uzbekistan

MSM recently discussed various options and possible modalities for partnerships in the area of management education and business development with the Uzbekistan Ambassador in Brussels, H.E. Mr Vladimir Norov and the Counselor for Trade and Economy, Mr. Oybek Khamraev. This was during a special visit of H.E. Mr. Norov to MSM on 25 November.

(Photo: H.E. Mr. Vladimir Norov far right, during a visit to MSM, accompanied by Mr Oybek Khamraev, and meeting Mr. René van der Linden, Chairman of MSM and Dean Professor Wim Naudé)

Over the past decade Uzbekistan has recorded an average annual GDP growth rate of 8.2%. With a young population of 31 million this former Soviet Republic is set for further growth, being located on the Silk Road and attracting increasing investments from South Korea, China, Germany, Spain and other countries. Sustaining growth requires investments in education – and with the government spending around 12% of GDP on education the sector is set for significant developments.

MSM is present in the Central Asia region with established programs in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Baku, Azerbaijan. “We understand the business needs and the geopolitical considerations in the region, in particular the needs of the economies in the region to diversify and lessen their dependence on hydro-carbons and mineral commodities, to attract foreign investment, and to build durable international alliance” says MSM Dean Professor Wim Naudé, adding that “as Uzbekistan moves to increase the openness of its economy, attract more FDI and adopt modern corporate governance practices, the contribution that a solid management education, with a global perspective can make, is significant”. Further information on MSM’s involvement in Uzbekistan will follow.