Uzbekistan and China Expand Energy Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with a delegation of leading Chinese companies and financial institutions headed by Wang Hongzhi, head of the National Energy Administration of China, on the sidelines of the Tashkent International Investment Forum.

The sides discussed the implementation of new high-tech projects in the energy and geology sectors, as well as the expansion of cooperation in the banking and financial sphere.

The meeting was attended by senior executives of China Energy Engineering Corporation, China Datang, Sinoma Energy Conservation, China Southern Power Grid, CAMCE, CNNC, State Nuclear Uranium Resource Development, as well as representatives of The Export-Import Bank of China and Bank of China.

The President of Uzbekistan noted the steady positive dynamics of Uzbek–Chinese cooperation in trade, economic and investment areas. According to him, mutual trade has exceeded US$6 billion since the beginning of the year, while cumulative Chinese direct investment has surpassed US$8 billion. Nearly 6,000 joint ventures with Chinese capital are currently operating in the country.

Special attention during the talks was given to the development of renewable energy projects. Chinese companies are involved in Uzbekistan in the construction of solar and wind power plants, as well as energy storage systems.

The sides supported plans to accelerate ongoing projects and launch new initiatives, including expanding photovoltaic capacity, introducing agri-voltaic solutions, and building power transmission lines.

Another area of cooperation identified was waste-to-energy projects, as well as the introduction of modern technological solutions, including the development of data centres.

The discussions also covered prospects for cooperation in mining and geology, including joint exploration and development of deposits and long-term partnership in the supply of critical raw materials.

Significant attention was given to expanding cooperation with Chinese financial institutions.

The talks focused on financing mechanisms for infrastructure projects, irrigation system modernisation, construction of highways and hydropower plants, supply of agricultural machinery, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chinese companies and banks expressed appreciation for the open and constructive dialogue and confirmed their readiness to consistently implement the reached agreements.