Uzbekistan Hands Power Distribution Networks to Turkish Firm

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan has for the first time transferred its distribution electricity networks to a private investor for management under a condition requiring capital investment. Energy Minister Sherzod Khojayev announced this at a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on fuel and energy sector issues.

Following an international tender, the regional networks were handed over to Turkish company Aksa Elektrik, which will be responsible for their modernization.

Khojayev said in an interview with O'zbekiston 24 television that all local employees would retain their positions, with only 15 specialists being brought in from abroad.

The investor has undertaken several obligations, including purchasing at least 90% of equipment from domestic manufacturers and implementing 400 microprojects in mahallas within two years under reliable bank guarantees.

The project was part of a broader presentation by the Ministry of Energy at the meeting, which also covered the results of work to develop energy passports for mahallas in 14 pilot districts and the construction of electricity networks in Afghanistan by Uzbek companies.