Photo via ixbt.com
According to the president, annual domestic demand for surveillance devices reaches $200 million, rising to $600 million when including neighbouring countries. The republic also faces an urgent need for ATMs; last year alone, Uzbekistan imported 9,000 units valued at over $50 million.
Mirziyoyev noted that the electrical engineering sector has developed rapidly, absorbing $2 billion in investment over the past decade, opening 413 production facilities, and launching 100 new product categories, including solar panels, utility meters, and transformers.
As a result, manufacturing volume reached 50 trillion soums (around $4.2 billion) this year. The industry attracts up to $600 million in annual investments, with exports reaching $1.6 billion.
However, the sector has yet to fully realise its potential. For example, the country plans to increase energy storage capacity to 4.5 gigawatts by 2030. While international partners are eager to incorporate local components into these projects, several essential items are not yet produced in Uzbekistan.
The president emphasised that implementing these initiatives alongside meeting domestic needs could drive industry exports up to $5 billion.
To reach these targets, Uzbekistan plans to execute 164 projects valued at a combined $11.6 billion across electrical engineering and allied sectors over the next three years.
These initiatives will target the following areas:
- Energy infrastructure;
- Cable products, transformers, and pumps;
- Industrial robotics and instrumentation;
- Transport and electric vehicle components;
- Electronic components and microelectronics;
- Household appliances.
Measures are also underway to bolster domestic demand for Uzbek electrical goods. Mirziyoyev noted that public-private partnerships in the energy sector already mandate a minimum local content share of 25%, rising to 70% for cable products. This requirement will now apply to investment projects valued above $10 million that receive tax breaks, customs benefits, or state-backed resources.
Authorities will also introduce a consumer loan programme at an annual interest rate of 18% for purchasing domestically produced goods, including refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and other home appliances.
Mirziyoyev announced several further measures supporting enterprise and workforce development. A «Future Technologies Centre» will be established in Nurafshon, offering residents incentives comparable to IT Park members, including zero import tariffs and corporate tax exemptions on income derived from R&D.
Next year, Uzbekistan will launch the «One Thousand Design Engineers» programme, sending local professionals for advanced training in South Korea, Japan, China, Turkey, and across Europe.
