Mirziyoyev orders to speed up digitalization of energy sector

Uzbekistan plans to implement 52 projects worth $9bn to start deep processing of natural gas and produce value-added products, as well as create new jobs, the press service of the Uzbek president said on Wednesday. In particular, 15 projects are set to be implemented in the field of inorganic chemistry, 23 in organic chemistry, 12 in the production of polymers.

One of the projects aims to establish an innovation center that will be engaged in research and development of new types of polymers, and the training of specialists.

The projects would allow to launch production of $4.1bn worth goods, replace import products worth $1.1bn, ensure exports of value-added goods worth $1.45bn, and create 6,500 new jobs.

2021 will see such promising projects as the organization of production of expanded polypropylene, wood-polymer composite sheets, hydrogen peroxide, reagents based on carboxymethylcellulose, sulphate acid, and soda from carbon dioxide.

Work will begin on the second stage of the plant for the production of polyvinyl chloride, caustic soda and methanol, and the enterprise for the production of industrial oils for compressors.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed to speed up work with foreign partners and investors for timely and high-quality implementation of projects.

Uzbekistan produces around 60 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, most of which are consumed domestically.

Early this year, the Uzbek government said that it would stop natural gas exports by 2025 and start its deep processing domestically to expand the production of value-added products.