Uzbekistan discussed energy projects with Chinese companies

The Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratlov, held talks on October 13 with Shingo Ueno, President and CEO of Sumitomo Corporation, and Yoshihiro Miyamoto, President of Shikoku Electric Power. The goal of the meetings was to discuss joint energy projects and other areas of potential cooperation.

Discussion of Renewable Energy Projects

The central topic of discussion was the development of renewable energy facilities and energy storage systems in Uzbekistan. The parties reviewed plans for building solar power plants and energy storage systems in the Samarkand region, as well as wind power plants and energy storage facilities in the Kungrad district of Karakalpakstan.

Furthermore, other areas of possible interaction were addressed at the meeting, including the establishment of steel cable production for power lines, the supply of ambulances, and the modernization of electrical grids.

Participants separately discussed the possibility of applying Japanese experience in managing free economic zones. Sumitomo Corporation operates in various sectors such as metals, natural resources, energy, infrastructure, transport, automotive, media, and digital technologies. According to the information provided, the company has 125 offices in 63 countries and regions.

Shikoku Electric Power operates in the energy sector and also develops activities in telecommunications, IT solutions, engineering, and construction. This company implements projects in more than 10 countries worldwide.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khojaev held a meeting with Shingo Ueno, President and CEO of Sumitomo Corporation, and Yoshihiro Miyamoto, President and Director of Shikoku Electric Power.

The parties discussed the implementation of joint energy projects totaling $4.2 billion. This meeting took place at the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan.

The main focus of the negotiations was on the development of renewable energy. Discussions covered the construction of solar power plants in the Samarkand region, wind power plants in Karakalpakstan, and energy storage systems.

Key objectives include the timely commissioning of solar power plants and obtaining all necessary permits for the wind project to enter the implementation phase. Participants also reviewed opportunities for cooperation in the production of cable products for power lines, mining industry, and ambulance supplies.

The prospects for applying the experience of Japanese companies in managing special economic zones, as well as in the fields of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, were discussed separately. Other potential areas of cooperation include the modernization of electrical grids, operation of energy storage systems, and training qualified personnel.

The 27th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia took place in Fergana on October 6. The parties discussed expanding trade ties, implementing joint projects, energy cooperation, as well as scientific and technical relations.

The delegation from Uzbekistan was headed by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev, while Russia was represented by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Opening the meeting, Jamshid Khodjayev noted that the agenda for bilateral cooperation has expanded compared to the previous commission meeting. He emphasized that the intergovernmental commission plays an important role in the practical implementation of agreements reached by the heads of the two states.

Among the most important tasks was timely execution of agreed projects and making decisions on issues requiring joint action. Jamshid Khodjayev also pointed out the complementarity of the two economies as the basis for developing trade partnership.

In the first eight months of 2026, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Russia increased by 10%. The strategic goal of the leaders of both countries remains unchanged—to bring bilateral trade to 30 billion US dollars.

In 2026, the parties plan to complete 17 joint projects with a total value of 350 million US dollars. These projects cover the chemical industry, agricultural product processing, and metalworking.

Energy interaction became one of the key points on the agenda. In particular, the construction of a nuclear power plant in the Jizzakh region, training national specialists, and localizing the production of equipment and services were discussed.

Participants also noted the growth in tourist exchanges: in 2025, nearly a million Russian tourists visited Uzbekistan. Following the meeting, the parties signed the Protocol of the 27th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, as well as the Strategy for Scientific and Technical Development of Russia and Uzbekistan for the period 2026–2040. The parties reaffirmed their intention to continue implementing joint projects and strengthening strategic partnership. In 2027, Uzbekistan and Russia will mark the 35th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.