The automotive joint venture located in Hajigabul, Azerbaijan, is undergoing a transformation: it is moving from the stage of assembling kits (SKD) to a full-fledged production complex supported by a localized supply chain.
This process reflects the broader strategic goal of the Uzbek company Uzavtosanoat—to create sustainable regional production ecosystems outside the borders of Uzbekistan. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, Hurram Teshabaev, in an interview with Report.az.
Initially, the project was launched in 2022 with the aim of assembling Chevrolet passenger cars and Isuzu buses using SKD technology. Since its start, the enterprise has produced over 9,000 units. The Deputy Minister noted that this figure 'confirmed the high potential of this cooperation and laid a solid foundation for the next stage of project development.'
The current second phase of development involves investments of $84.3 million and is being implemented jointly with Azermash CP. The central element of this expansion is a full-cycle plant, scheduled to launch in mid-2027. This plant will specialize in the full production of the Chevrolet Cobalt model. Key implementation milestones have already been reached, including identifying component suppliers and placing orders for main technological equipment and production lines.
According to Teshabaev, after commissioning the enterprise, production will shift from simple assembly to a full industrial cycle, leading to a significant increase in output volumes and an expansion of available models. An important part of the second phase is the gradual increase in local production. According to the plan, a network of local component suppliers will be created in Azerbaijan, and the more complex technological process will be gradually mastered. The Deputy Minister explained that such steps 'will increase the contribution of domestic added value and stimulate growth in related industrial sectors.'
The automotive project in Hajigabul is an integral part of a broader bilateral investment portfolio between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, the total potential volume of which is estimated at $10 billion. Automobile production and electrical engineering have been identified as strategic directions for promoting industrial integration and connecting regional supply chains in Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
