Irkutsk companies are implementing 11 projects worth $112 million with Uzbekistan

In the first half of 2026, Uzbekistan's unofficial exports increased by 32.2% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching $14.4 billion.

Exports to Russia and other countries

During the period from January to June, Uzbekistan's export of goods and services to Russia amounted to $2.4 billion, which is 16% more than in the corresponding period last year. Russia's share in the country's total exports approached 17%. The second most significant buyer is China, which accounted for exports worth $2.18 billion, showing a 51% growth over the year.

Other key partners

Among other partner countries, the following figures were noted: Afghanistan – $961 million (a 60% increase); Kazakhstan – $715 million (a 5% increase); France – $707 million (a 56% increase); Turkey – $516 million (unchanged); Kyrgyzstan – $453 million (a 70% increase).

Export structure and dynamics

The total export volume in the first half of 2026 was $14.4 billion, exceeding the 2025 figure by $3.5 billion. Services accounted for the largest share of exports, reaching $5.7 billion. Additionally, textile and light industry products accounted for $1.66 billion, metallurgy and mining products for $1.3 billion, and fruits and vegetables for $875 million.

Growth and geographical expansion

The most significant growth was recorded in the export of jewelry, whose volume increased 2.85 times to reach $685 million. The geography of exports also expanded: the number of states and regions where exports are carried out increased to 211, covering an additional 7 countries.

A working meeting was held at the Agency for Industrial Cooperation and Public Procurement involving representatives from the US company Prestone PFX and LLC "Global Petrochemical Group." The meeting discussed the prospects of localizing the production of antifreeze products that meet international standards within the country.

Key Areas of Cooperation

During the meeting, issues such as establishing a joint venture in Uzbekistan, transferring modern technologies, increasing the level of localization of production processes, and realizing finished products both on the domestic market and for export were reviewed.

Demand and Economic Base

According to specialists, the annual demand for antifreeze in Uzbekistan is almost 19 thousand tons. In 2025, more than 12 thousand tons of antifreeze were imported into the country, with a total value reaching 11.23 million US dollars. This indicates stable demand for quality products in the domestic market and the formation of a sufficient economic basis for developing local production in this area.

Company Information

Prestone PFX Group is an international company specializing in the production of technical fluids for automobiles, thermal regulation systems, and special chemical products. The company has 17 production sites and 4 research centers. Prestone products are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, and the Prestone brand itself is recognized as one of the leading global manufacturers and developers of antifreeze with an almost hundred-year history.

LLC "Global Petrochemical Group," which participated in the meeting, has been engaged in the production of engine oils, antifreeze, and automotive chemical products since 2011. All technological stages of production are established at the enterprise, including the manufacturing of polymer containers necessary for filling and packaging products.

Project Prospects

According to the leaders, if this investment project is implemented, it will open important opportunities to satisfy domestic demand with local products, replace imports, attract advanced technologies, and expand export volumes to Central Asian countries.

At the end of the meeting, further tasks were defined regarding the formation of promising joint projects, the development of their implementation mechanisms, and the coordination of activities of responsible organizations and working groups.

According to the National Statistical Committee, the number of operating enterprises with foreign capital in Uzbekistan has exceeded the mark of 20,000 for the first time.

Investment Statistics

As of July 1, 2026, the country had 20,502 enterprises with foreign investments. Among them, 4,611 were joint ventures, and 15,891 belonged to fully foreign investors.

Growth Dynamics and Leaders

According to the statistical agency, over the past five years, the number of operating foreign enterprises has increased by 1.4 times, which indicates a steady growth in investment activity in the country. Chinese investors hold the leading positions with 6,060 companies. Russia is in second place with 3,454 enterprises, and Turkey is among the top three leaders with 2,293 companies.

Top 10 Investing Countries

The top ten countries contributing the most to the number of operating enterprises with foreign investments also include Kazakhstan with 1,307 companies, South Korea with 725 companies, Afghanistan with 685 companies, Azerbaijan with 473 companies, Tajikistan with 455 companies, the United Arab Emirates with 440 companies, and India with 426 companies.

Role of Foreign Companies

The National Statistical Committee emphasized that enterprises with foreign capital continue to play a significant role in the economic development of Uzbekistan, contributing to attracting investments, creating jobs, and strengthening international business cooperation.