As the Fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum unfolds, Chinese companies are actively exploring investment opportunities in Uzbekistan. With China now being Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment, the focus is shifting from traditional energy and infrastructure to new energy and high-tech manufacturing sectors.
Situated at the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan plays a key role in regional cooperation initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. These platforms offer vital opportunities for dialogue and collaboration in green development.
The “Uzbekistan–2030” strategy marks a new era for the country’s growth, prioritizing green energy and creating a welcoming environment for investment in this sector. The government has launched large-scale projects aimed at boosting renewable energy, with a goal to increase the share of renewables in total energy consumption to 50% by 2030.
Green energy has become a cornerstone of the partnership between China and Uzbekistan. China is accelerating its own green and low-carbon transformation and is working with BRI countries to build a “Green Silk Road.”
During a recent media tour, reporters observed the success of this cooperation. A Chinese-built wind farm in the Bukhara region, the largest in Central Asia, has begun commercial operations. Fully integrated into Uzbekistan’s national grid, the project is expected to generate 3.6 terawatt-hours of clean energy annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 1.6 million tonnes. Uzbekistan aims to boost the share of renewables in its energy mix to 50% by 2030.
Another key element of Uzbekistan’s green growth is the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs). A factory in the Jizzakh region, established by Chinese automaker BYD, has an initial annual production capacity of 50,000 EVs. With various government incentives, EV sales have surged, making Uzbekistan a leading adopter of electric vehicles in Central Asia.
China’s technological expertise in solar, wind, hydropower, and electric vehicles makes it an essential partner for Uzbekistan’s shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions.
The 2023 China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in the green economy. As leaders meet in Astana this month, China’s initiatives to promote green transformation are poised to bring significant benefits to Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.
