Uzbekistan Update: 15 October - 5 November, 2023
Biweekly update on key developments in Uzbekistan
Notable Quotes
“We have agreed with the President (Shavkar Mirziyoyev) to build a strategic partnership”
E. Macron, During 1st visit to Uzbekistan by France’s president since 1994
“The stability and security of the countries of Central Asia is our common interest”
J. Borrell, Head of European diplomacy
UPCOMING EVENTS
1. Open HR & Capacity Building Committee initiation meeting
EUROUZ announced the formation of the HR & Capacity Building Committee, which will serve as a coordination platform for enhancing human resources practices in Uzbekistan and supporting employee development among member companies. This committee will play a pivotal role in promoting a skilled and empowered workforce within the association and its member companies in Uzbekistan. EUROUZ members and non-members are invited to the scheduled Committee Initiation Meeting.
Date: Tuesday, 21 November, 2023
Type: Hybrid
Please register your interest in participation via this link
2. Swiss Days in Tashkent
Join us at "Swiss Days 2023" in Tashkent from November 7th-10th, a significant business event by Switzerland Global Enterprise and the Embassy of Switzerland in Uzbekistan, aimed at bolstering economic cooperation and business networks between Switzerland and Uzbekistan through a focus on innovation, education, and infrastructure.
Nov 7: Dive into innovation clusters, exploring Switzerland’s trailblazing advancements.
Nov 8: Experience Swiss Education Day, a gateway to unparalleled learning horizons.
Nov 9: Explore Swiss Infrastructure Day, unveiling the pillars of cutting-edge development (To register contact: anna.padeeva@eda.admin.ch )
4. Human Capital Days in Uzbekistan
On November 23rd, in Tashkent, the 1st International Forum and Exhibition, "Human Capital Days in Uzbekistan," will take place.
This event brings together CEOs of major companies, industry experts, HR directors, representatives from recruitment and consulting firms. Human Capital Days encompass:
Trends and innovations in human resource development.
Interactive discussion formats.
Valuable networking opportunities.
Cross-industry knowledge exchange.
The chance to make an international impact.
Date: 23 November, 2023
Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
You can register here via this link
5. "Uzbekistan - The New Outsourcing Hub" conference
The event will take place on November 24, 2023, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This conference would provide an opportunity to learn more about talent pool, the potential cost savings and business growth prospects in Central Asia while also exploring the benefits of becoming a Resident of IT Park Uzbekistan. The program will feature speeches by the top management of IT Park Uzbekistan, Resident companies, followed by networking session with the participants and IT Park Representatives.
You can register here via this link
EUROUZ & MEMBER NEWS
1. EUROUZ holds 2023 Europe-Uzbekistan Annual Business Meetings in Brussels, Belgium
The 2023 Europe-Uzbekistan Annual Business Meetings, hosted by the Europe-Uzbekistan Association for Economic Cooperation (EUROUZ) on October 27 in Brussels became a milestone in strengthening economic ties between Europe and Uzbekistan. With over 120 in-person and 800 unique online viewers via online platforms and social media networks over the course of the day, this event set the stage for high-ranking representatives from the Republic of Uzbekistan, the European Union, European companies, and investors to engage in discussions on subjects vital to the EU - Uzbekistan relationship.
The day prior to the event EUROUZ held a VIP dinner for high-level representatives of both EU and Uzbekistan.
The recording of 2023 Europe-Uzbekistan Annual Business Meetings is available via this link.
2. EUROUZ welcomes a new Association member - Austrum logistics
Established in 2016, SIA AUSTRUM LOGISTICS specializes in providing sustainable logistics solutions worldwide. With a substantial network spanning the USA, Europe, China, and Central Asia, the company offers optimal logistics services via air, rail, and road to support global business growth.
With strategically located offices in Riga, Vilnius, and Tashkent, reinforced by a team of highly qualified personnel, the company ensures smooth and efficient logistics operations. At the same time, SIA AUSTRUM LOGISTICS provides comprehensive support during the entire transportation process, including customs clearance and certification.
For more details, please visit this link.
2. EUROUZ welcomes a new Association member - Gerber Architekten
Gerber Architekten is a multicultural architecture and design firm, that was founded in Germany in 1966 and now has 7 offices with more than 300 employees all over the world, including headquarters in Dortmund, German offices in Berlin, Hamburg, Münster, and Düsseldorf, and international offices in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Shanghai (China).
In nearly 60 years, Gerber Architekten has partaken in projects on urban planning, architecture, and interior design, designed over 1000 projects, completed more than 300 projects, and received over 100 international design awards and recognitions.
For more details, please visit the link.
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1. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
1.1 EUROPE
Uzbekistan and France to raise mutual relations to the level of strategic partnership
Source: President Press Service
At the meeting, the parties discussed in detail the issues of further developing comprehensive cooperation between Uzbekistan and France and agreed to raise bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership. The portfolio of current and prospective projects has exceeded 10 billion euros. Also A 1-billion-euro Strategic Partnership Program is being implemented with the French Development Agency.
During the even the delegations of the parties signed the following documents aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation (non-commerial agreements):
Intergovernmental agreement on the creation and activities of the “Samarkand French Alliance”;
Intergovernmental financial protocols for improving the drinking water supply infrastructure of Uzbekistan (phases 1 and 2);
Protocol on amendments and additions to the Intergovernmental Agreement on the creation and activities of the French Development Agency and PROPARCO in Uzbekistan;
Declaration between the ministries of foreign affairs on cooperation in the field of training diplomatic personnel;
Protocol on cooperation in the field of preschool, school, vocational and higher education;
Declaration of cooperation in the field of cultural heritage;
Agreement on cooperation in the field of vocational and technical education.
Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister visits Luxembourg, Brussles for high level contacts
Uzbekistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs attended 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Luxembourg. Meetings were conducted with Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Spain, Lithuania, Estonia and others. The meetings summed up the achievements of comprehensive partnership and outlined the main priorities for the year ahead. During the event creation of sustainable trade relations and effective mechanisms to support mutual supplies, the development of industrial cooperation and investment potential, as well as bringing most advanced technologies to facilitate the region’s transition to a green economy was discussed.
Berlin encourages investment in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Georgia
It is expected that German businesses, with their growing hopes in Central Asia, will be more willing to provide funds for Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, as Berlin will ensure the companies’ private investments. As of June 2023, Berlin has insured investment projects worth 30 billion euros in this way.
EU-Central Asia Global Gateway Conference in Brussles
1.2 CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS
The forum focused on the priority areas of our cooperation, the exchange of the best experience and expertise among Central Asian countries to ensure sustainable development and progress in our countries. Also it was emphasized the importance of establishing multilateral cooperation in youth support, digitization, ecology, tourism and other areas. Also meeting was conducted among OSCE Secretary General and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian Countries, with primary discussion focusing on ensuring border security, combating climate change, and developing transport connectivity.
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan signed export-import agreements worth $1.2 billion
The government delegation of Uzbekistan visited Kabul, where the head of the Uzbek delegation met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan. During the meetings, the parties reached export-import agreements worth about $1.2 billion.
KazTransOil transports 31,100 tons of oil from Russia to Uzbekistan
In the third quarter of 2023, KazTransOil transported 31.1 thousand tons of Russian oil from Russia to Uzbekistan through Kazakhstan. They've been transporting Russian oil to Uzbekistan since 2017, with varying volumes. In February 2023, the tariff for this service was increased from US$25.12 to US$27.9 per ton, excluding VAT.
1.3 RUSSIA & CHINA
Source: President Press Service
On 17-18 October President of Uzbekistan visited China for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. During the visit the Presidents of Uzbekistan and China discussed the five-year Program for Developing Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships in a New Era. They noted progress in political dialogue, mutual support, and robust trade and economic cooperation. Chinese investment has grown significantly, with a threefold increase in the number of companies. Mutual trade volumes have increased by 36% this year and are expected to surpass $10 billion by year-end. Both leaders agreed on the potential to raise trade turnover to $20 billion in the next five years.
The President of Uzbekistan speaks in favor of enhancing practical cooperation with China Energy
Source: President Press Service
The President of Uzbekistan met with the Chairman of China Energy Engineering Corporation, in China. They jointly launched modern cement production in Samarkand in September. The discussion included future collaboration on infrastructure modernization, energy storage systems, and training specialists as part of Uzbekistan's Industry Development Program 2030.
A Chinese company is building a hydroelectric power station in the Tashkent region
China Southern Power Grid International will participate in constructing a 600 MW hydroelectric power station in Uzbekistan, according to Uzbekhydroenergo. The Upper Pskem Hydroelectric Power Station will be located in the Bostanlyk district of the Tashkent region on the Pskem River, with an estimated project cost of $1 billion. This collaboration follows a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2023 between Uzbekhydroenergo and China Southern Power Grid for the construction of three hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 820 MW in the Tashkent region.
The Russian company TechnoNIKOL will build a plant worth 13 million USD in Uzbekistan
The plant for the production of thermal insulation materials is planned to be launched at the beginning of 2025. It is expected to invest at least 13 millions USD in the project. The plant's capacity will be about 300 thousand cubic meters of finished products per year.
Uzbekistan and China to cooperate in the energy sector
1.5 MIDDLE EAST, EAST ASIA, & SOUTH-EAST ASIA
Source: President Press Service
During his visit to China on October 17, the Uzbek President met with the Vietnamese President. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation, especially in trade and the economy. Vietnam is an important traditional partner in the Asia-Pacific region, and they've seen increased contacts, growing mutual trade, and joint ventures in recent years, particularly in agriculture and fish farming.
Uzbekistan and South Korea will cooperate in adaptation to climate change
On October 19, the President approved a Framework Agreement between Uzbekistan and South Korea on climate change cooperation. This agreement, signed on June 1, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate change adaptation capacity, facilitating a transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. To oversee its implementation, a Joint Committee on Climate Change Cooperation will be established.
1.6 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
The President attends 25th session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Source: Presidents Press Service
As part of the program of the 25th session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) held in the city of Samarkand, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Declaration on awarding Samarkand the status of “the World Cultural Tourism Capital” and the Agreement on the establishment of the International Tourism Academy were adopted. The Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Secretary-General of UNWTO signed the documents.
The President of Uzbekistan took part in the summit of the Organization of Turkic States
Source: Presidents Press Service
The 10th anniversary summit of Organization of Turkic States held in Kazakhstan. The current Chairman of the Organization - the President of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, the Prime Minister of Hungary, and the Secretary General of the UTG - spoke at the summit. Following documents were signed during the summit.
Astana Act;
Declaration of the X Summit of the Organization of Turkic States;
The decision of the heads of state to award the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev with the “Highest Order of the Turkic World”;
Decision of the heads of state to award the status of Financial Centers of the Turkic World;
Decision on the adoption of new flags of Turkic cooperation organizations;
Decision of heads of state on appointments;
Decision to grant observer status to the Economic Cooperation Organization in the Organization of Turkic States;
Decision to approve the day of February 6 as the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Disaster and Solidarity of the Organization of Turkic States;
Decision on the Rules for Budget Management of the Secretariat of the Organization of Turkic States;
Decision on the development of “Regulations on Permanent Representatives of the Organization of Turkic States”;
Protocol on cooperation between relevant institutions of member states of the Organization of Turkic States in the field of metrology;
Joint Action Plan (Road Map) of the organization of Turkic states for the implementation of the Transport Communications Program for 2023-2027.
The President of Uzbekistan receives the Chairman of Amer International
During a visit to Beijing on October 17, the President of Uzbekistan met with, the Chairman of Amer International Group, a major Chinese conglomerate. They discussed potential projects for producing high-value copper products and agreed on Amer International's participation in Uzbekistan's foreign investor council, the opening of a regional office in Uzbekistan, and the acceleration of joint innovation projects.
USAID Administrator announced a commitment of over $14 million to support Uzbekistan in areas including tuberculosis control, epidemic preparedness, private sector strengthening, and local governance. These funds will be used to fight tuberculosis, enhance epidemic response, and boost the private sector. The programs aim to improve public health, prepare for future outbreaks, and promote economic growth, with a focus on women, youth, and people with disabilities.
Uzcharmexpo-Eurasia-2023: export contracts worth US$112 million signed
The 15th International Exhibition-Fair of Leather, Shoes, Haberdashery, Fur, Wool, and Localized Products, UzCharmExpo-Eurasia-2023, was held in Uzbekistan. It featured over 300 companies from 40 countries, and agreements worth $112 million were signed for the export of Uzbek leather and footwear products.
Joint Communique of the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of SCO Member States.
Decision of the SCO Heads of Government on the Report of the SCO Secretariat on the Activities and Meetings held in the Framework of the Implementation of the Program of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation of SCO Member States.
Decision of the SCO Heads of Government on the Financial Report of SCO for the Budget Execution of 2022.
Decision of the SCO Heads of Government on the SCO Budget for 2024.
Decision of the SCO Heads of Government on SCO Financial Rules.
Decision of the SCO Heads of Government on the Regulation of the Monetary Compensation, Guarantees, and Benefits for the Officials of the Permanent Bodies of SCO.
Decision of the SCO Heads of Government on the Report of the Commission of External Auditors of SCO Member States on the External Audit of the Financial and Economic Activities of the Permanent Bodies of SCO.
Decision of the SCO Heads of Government on the Plan of Activities for the Implementation of the Concept of Interaction of Railway Administrations (Railways) of SCO Member States (Tashkent, November 2, 2019).
Decision of the SCO Heads of Government on the Staffing Schedule of the SCO Secretariat.
Decision on the Staffing Schedule of the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of SCO.
Decision of the SCO Heads of Government on the Concept of a Digital Meeting of Buyers and Sellers from the SCO Region.
Protocol on Amendments to the Agreement on the Procedure for the Formation and Execution of the SCO Budget of December 1, 2017.
Initiative to Explore Prospects of Cooperation Between Ministries and Departments of SCO Member States Responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activities in the Field of Digital Trade (Adopted without signing).
Plan of Activities for the "Year of Ecology" of SCO in 2024.
2. PUBLIC POLICY
The private sector to be involved in road construction
A Presidential Resolution on road sector improvements has been enacted, effective January 1, 2024, with key provisions including:
Defined road work categories: construction, reconstruction, repairs, and maintenance on highways.
Introduction of a "volumetric method" system for road project management.
Minimum three-year warranty for main structural elements of newly built or reconstructed highways.
Seasonal freight vehicle movement restrictions on highways during high-temperature seasons, except for special vehicles.
Additionally, an experiment involving the private sector in operating public roads up to 20 km in length will commence in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and regions. The resolution aims to enhance road infrastructure management, budget allocation, and service quality.
The Senate of the Oliy Majlis has approved the ratification of the Agreement establishing the Turkic Investment Fund, allowing Uzbekistan to participate alongside Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey. This fund will support various investment projects across sectors like electrical engineering, light industry, automotive, and more, fostering economic cooperation and infrastructure development among Turkic countries. Uzbekistan will finance its share in the fund from the Fund for Reconstruction and Development.
Uzbekistan improves land accounting and cadastral services
On 27 October, President chaired a meeting on the rational use of land resources, improving land accounting, and providing cadastral services. The meeting highlighted the reforms carried out in Cadastral Service in Uzbekistan. Private sectors is to be attracted to the sphere. To do this, data on real estate objects will be transferred to the new information system UZKAD, and from July 1, 2024, private cadastral engineers will begin to operate in all regions of the country.
The National Association for Healthy Lifestyle and Fitness has been created in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan Helicopters becomes the owner of Silk Avia
3. LEGISLATION
3.1. LEGISLATIVE CHANGES
Government sets up new committee aimed at streamlining regulations in line WTO accession plans
The decision issued by the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan aims to enhance the country's involvement in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and bring its national legislation in line with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. It establishes a national committee responsible for harmonizing regulations, analyzing international trade laws, and promoting international cooperation in trade facilitation. The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade will coordinate the committee's activities, and the implementation will be overseen by the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister. Overall, the decision is designed to improve trade facilitation in Uzbekistan and align it with international standards.
Uzbekistan Introduces Mobile Number Portability
Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technologies has put an end to "mobile slavery" by introducing Mobile Number Portability (MNP). As of January 1, 2024, mobile subscribers can keep their numbers when switching to a different operator. Users can request the service through the operator's office, obtaining a new SIM card with their old number. MNP will later be available via an electronic portal. The service costs 60,000 Uzbek soms, set by operators. The entire process takes a maximum of 8 working hours. Previously, this right was included in the Telecommunications Service Rules, effective from October 1, 2020. (USD)
3.2. GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS
Head of the Department for Combating Economic Crimes at the Prosecutor General's Office.
Appointed - Sokhibnazarov Shamsiddin
Previously served as - Head of the department of the Department for CombatingEconomic Crimes under the General Prosecutor's Office.
Head of the Tashkent City Emergency Situations Department
Appointed - Mukhtar Mukhitdinov
Previously served as - Deputy Minister for Emergency SituationsFirst Deputy Head of the Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan
Appointed - Dilshod Rakhimov
Previously served as - Head of the Department for Combating Economic Crimes at the Prosecutor General's OfficeMinister of Agriculture
Appointed - Ibrokhim Abdurakhmanov
Previously served as - Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.First Deputy Minister of Agriculture
Appointed - Azim Nazarov
Previously served as - First Deputy Minister of Water ResourcesDeputy Minister of Agriculture
Appointed - Akmal Kasymov
Previously served as - Head of the agro-industrial complex development sector in the Presidential AdministrationDeputy Minister of Agriculture
Appointed - Bunyod Okhunov
Previously served as - Head of the Department of Finance, Economics and Investment of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Italy
Appointed - Abat Faizullaev
Previously served as - Ambassador to the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Austria and part-time in Hungary.Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Sweden
Appointed - Nodir Ganiev
Previously served as - Representative of the republic as Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in SwedenAmbassador of Uzbekistan to Austria
Appointed - Bakhtiyor Ibragimov
Previously served as - Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the UN in New YorkDirector of the Agency for Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry of Uzbekistan
Appointed - Abdulla Azizov
Previously served as - Deputy Chairman of the Board of Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine JSC for digitalizationDeputy Advisor to the President on issues of coordination of the activities of law enforcement and regulatory authorities
Appointed - Zhobir Azimov
Previously served as - Head of Department for Monitoring the Execution of Legislation in the Fields of Foreign Trade, Investment and Entrepreneurship of the Prosecutor General's OfficeFirst deputy head of the Department of Social Development of the Presidential Administration
Appointed - Khudayarov Asilbek
Previously served as - Head of the Main Medical Directorate under the Presidential AdministrationDeputy head of the Department of Social Development of the Presidential Administration
Appointed - Gayane Umerova
Previously served as - Head of Foundation for the Development of Culture and Art of UzbekistanFirst deputy chairman of the Culture and Art Development Fund under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Appointed - Elmurad Najimov
Previously served as - Deputy Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO AffairsDeputy director of the Hydrometeorological Service Agency under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change
Appointed - Ibratjon Karimov
Previously served as - Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for EcologyChairman of the Committee for the Development of Sericulture and Wool Industry under the Ministry of Agriculture
Appointed - Ikboljon Ergashev
Previously served as - Deputy khokim of the Fergana regionFirst deputy minister of culture
Appointed - Avazkhon Tadzhikhanov
Previously served as - Director of the State Unitary Enterprise “Directorate of the Convention Center Complex” under the Ministry of Justice.First deputy minister of culture
Appointed - Yusufjon Usmonov
Previously served as - Head of the regional Department of Investment and Foreign Trade.
4. ECONOMY
4.1 KEY ECONOMIC INDICATORS, LOANS, & PUBLIC FINANCE
Financial stability report for the first half of 2023
The report on financial stability for the first half of 2023 covers topics such as the macroeconomic situation, financial and non-financial sectors, asset market conditions, and stress testing of the banking system in Uzbekistan. It highlights increasing concerns related to debt obligations, rising real estate prices, and reduced bank liquidity. The report also analyzes global and local financial conditions. It provides insights into the real estate and automobile markets and discusses measures to minimize risks and enhance financial stability.
The national debt limit in 2024 will be $5 billion - Ministry of Finance
According to the project, state budget revenues next year should amount to 270.3 trillion soums, and expenses (excluding interbudgetary transfers) - 279.6 trillion soums. The upper limit of the budget deficit is projected at 52.5 trillion soums, or 4% of GDP. Gross domestic product growth in 2024 is projected at 5.6-5.8%. The expected GDP growth rates will be ensured by an increase in production in industry by 6%, in the services sector by 6.1%, and in agriculture by 4%. It is also planned that the limited volume of new agreements concluded annually to attract external debt will be $5 billion, of which $2.5 billion will be used to support the state budget and $2.5 billion to finance investment projects.
Basic industries were transferred to the Ministry of Economy and Finance
Uzbekistan's presidential decree titled "Additional Measures for Accelerated Industry Development" has reshaped the responsibilities among ministries. The Ministry of Economy and Finance now oversees state industrial policy, identifying growth areas, and creating strategies for key industries. The decree also excludes several items from the list of monopoly products and grants authority to the Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Rights to determine trading criteria on the commodity exchange.
4.2 TRADE AND BUSINESS
Source: President Press Service
The prospects for cooperation were discussed, the president supported the companies’ plans to invest in infrastructure, build agrologistic complexes and organize joint production of pharmaceuticals. Companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Lactalis, Semmaris and Meridiame are showing interest in investment opportunities in the country and are ready to enter into long-term cooperation.
As of the course of France Presidents visit to Uzbekistan, Minister of Mining and Geology of Uzbekistan announced that French Company Orano planning to invest up to $500 million to mining and processing of uranium in Uzbekistan . Also it was noted that the uranium export to Europe increased up to 441 tons
Exporters of footwear and fur products will be provided with preferential loans
Uzbekistan is set to invest $340 million in the development of its leather, footwear, and fur industries, focusing on the production of export-oriented goods. The funding comes from various sources, including loans from the French Development Agency and the World Bank, as well as unused credits. Part of this initiative includes the construction of a centralized wastewater treatment facility in the leather and footwear small industrial zone. Additionally, Uzbek producers in these industries will receive preferential loans based on their export volume, with interest rates capped at 4%. Furthermore, enterprises in these sectors can now transfer up to $50,000 abroad without requiring specific approvals. These reforms aim to promote the growth of Uzbekistan's leather, footwear, and fur industries.
Uzbekistan increased exports of cars, equipment, and clothing
Uzbekistan's foreign trade soared by 22% in the first nine months of the year, reaching $44.75 billion. Exports grew by 23.5% to $17.74 billion, while imports increased by 21% to $27.01 billion. Gold exports remain a major contributor, almost doubling compared to the previous year, totaling $5.63 billion. China emerged as the leading trading partner, accounting for 21.1% of total trade. Key export categories included textiles, non-ferrous metals, iron products, and machinery, with strong growth in the exports of vehicles, machinery, and clothing. Uzbekistan managed to offset declining revenues from gas and fertilizer exports.
During the 25th UN World Tourism Organization General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, a Memorandum was signed between Uzbekistan Temir Yullari and ARSENALE S.p.A, an Italian company, to develop and launch a luxury tourist train starting in late 2026.
Foreign trade turnover in Uzbekistan amounted to US$44.8 billion
Uzbekistan's foreign trade surged by 22.1% in January-September 2023, reaching $44.8 billion. Key trading partners included China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and South Korea. Exports comprised industrial goods, textiles, and agriculture, including a notable increase in fruit and vegetable exports. Service exports grew by 21%, primarily in transport and tourism. Meanwhile, imports included machinery, industrial goods, and chemicals. Tashkent played a significant role in trade, while the Surkhandarya region had the smallest share. This reflects Uzbekistan's expanding presence in global markets and export diversification efforts.
Uzbekistan’s gold and foreign exchange reserves decreased by US$1.6 billion.
Trading of “carbon credits” in Uzbekistan will begin in 2024
4.3 AGRICULTURE, MINING, & MANUFACTURING
Uzbekistan started producing Pepsi in bottles made from recycled plastic
Uzbekistan has started using recycled food plastic to make 1.5-liter Pepsi bottles, with 20% of the bottle's content now consisting of recycled material. The shift to using rPET (recycled plastic) in their bottles is part of PepsiCo's global packaging strategy to reduce plastic waste and ensure recycling. This initiative will reduce the use of new plastic by approximately 2,500 tons in 2023. IBT (International Beverages Tashkent), a bottler partner of PepsiCo, operates the beverage factories involved. The entire portfolio of PepsiCo drinks in Uzbekistan is now presented in fully recyclable plastic bottles. Investments of over $3 million were made in local preform production containing recycled plastic pellets in Uzbekistan.
An agro innovation center to be created in Tashkent with the support of scientists from Kalmykia
Kalmyk State University is partnering with Uzbekistan to establish an Agroinnovation Center in Tashkent in 2024. This center will specialize in developing new technologies for breeding and reproducing farm animals.
The Russian PhosAgro has begun supplies of a new type of fertilizer to Uzbekistan
The "PhosAgro" group of companies has started exporting water-soluble monoammonium phosphate Apaliqua NP 12:61 to Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This fertilizer can be used in various irrigation systems, suitable for hot and arid climate zones.
Seasonal restrictions will be introduced on the movement of trucks in Uzbekistan
Starting from January 1, 2024, Uzbekistan will impose seasonal restrictions on the movement of trucks exceeding 44 tons during high-temperature periods. This decree aims to regulate road usage and imports of heavy trucks.
4.4 CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE
The private sector will be involved in road construction in Uzbekistan
Starting January 1, 2024, a private sector outsourcing experiment will be implemented for operating public roads up to 20 km in Karakalpakstan and regional areas. Also, from January 1, 2025, independent organizations, including the private sector, will handle engineering management and technical supervision of road construction projects following international practices (FIDIC). A "UzYulkuprik" cluster and a state institution called the "Road Safety and Technical Condition Analysis Center" will be established within the Committee on Roads.
4.5 ENERGY & PETROCHEMICALS
A pumped storage power plant worth $1 billion will be built in Bostanlyk district
In the Bostanlyk district of the Tashkent region, a 600 MW hydroelectric power station named "Yukori Pskem" will be constructed for $1 billion. The projects, which include the "Yukori Pskem" hydroelectric power station, "Karateren" hydroelectric power station, and "Yukori Pskem" hydroelectric power station, are expected to be fully realized by 2030. Once operational, these projects will generate an average of 3 billion kWh of electricity annually, saving 835,655,000 cubic meters of natural gas. Furthermore, over 1.6 million people will have uninterrupted access to electricity upon the completion of these projects.
The parties discussed the progress and prospects of interaction. In particular, they discussed the supply of Russian gas to Uzbekistan through the territory of Kazakhstan, which began in October of this year. It was noted that a specially designated route based on the Central Asia - Center gas pipeline system is of great importance for a stable energy supply to consumers in Uzbekistan, which is especially important in the autumn-winter period. At the meeting, the parties signed a Strategic Memorandum on cooperation in the energy sector.
Uzbekhydroenergo JSC will build wind power plants at the expense of a grant from China
Uzbekhydroenergo is set to build four 5 MW wind power stations in the Tashkent region with a $28 million grant from China, promoting green energy. It will generate 43 million kWh of electricity annually, create 20 new jobs, and save 580,000 tons of coal or its oil/gas equivalent over 20 years. The wind power station will be located in the Burchmulla area of the Bostanlyk district, benefiting 18,000 rural households.
Uzbekistan to Cut Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Reduce Emissions with Support from the World Bank
The government of Uzbekistan and the World Bank have signed a $46.25 million agreement during the 2023 World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Marrakech to finance the Innovative Carbon Resource Application for Energy Transition Project (iCRAFT). This project focuses on supporting Uzbekistan's transition to clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy subsidy reforms, marking the World Bank's first initiative globally to support policy reforms through payments for emission reductions. The project aims to reduce emissions by around 60 million metric tons of CO2 over its lifetime and serves as a pilot for international carbon markets, contributing to Uzbekistan's green transition.
Central Asia Water and Energy Program to Benefit from Additional Support from Swiss Partners
During the 2023 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Marrakech, an agreement was signed between the World Bank and Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), providing a $5 million grant to the Central Asia Water & Energy Program (CAWEP).
Uzbekistan's gas imports ($487.9 million) have outpaced exports ($411.7 million) by $76.2 million in the first nine months of 2023. This shift is partly due to disruptions in gas supply to China earlier in the year. September saw a significant surge in gas imports, totaling $286.1 million, a 40% increase from the previous eight months. Much of this growth is attributed to increased deliveries from Turkmenistan, following a recent gas supply contract.
A free wholesale electricity market in Uzbekistan is planned to be created by 2026
Uzbekistan's President has unveiled energy sector reforms to create a competitive energy market. By 2024, a unified electricity trading platform will be established, followed by the implementation of a free wholesale market by 2026. The reforms aim to accommodate growing energy needs and bring about a transition to a liberalized energy market. To facilitate these changes, Uzbekistan has established the Agency for Development and Regulation of the Energy Market, which will oversee energy regulation.
AUGA begins privatization of 87.7% shares of Uzenergoengineering
USEFUL LINKS AND NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS (more needed here)
How the EU Can Contribute to the Green Transition in Central Asia (The Diplomat)
Uzbekistan May Be America’s Key to Combating the Islamic State (The Diplomat)
Sophie Ibbotson: "The UNWTO General Assembly will allow Uzbekistan to widely demonstrate the tourism potential of the republic" (UzDaily)
Uzbekistan’s progress in reforming its health system continues, new WHO report shows (WHO)