Uzbekistan aims to expand scale of production localization

On September 17, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a videoconference meeting on the accelerated development of industry and expansion of the scale of production localization, the presidential press service reports.

The meeting participants discussed industrial development with an eye to modern requirements, the ways to boost competitiveness and expand the range of goods produced.

“We must pursue an industrial policy aimed at producing export-oriented and import-substituting goods. The enhancement of localization and the accelerated expansion of its scale, effective using of available raw materials and opportunities, should be the cornerstone of this industrial policy,” the head of state noted.

The presidential resolution signed on August 24 of the current year provided for the introduction of a new system of production localization and acceleration of industrial cooperative ties. At yesterday’s meeting, the officials were instructed to ensure the effective functioning of that system. The President pointed out the most important areas for the expansion of cooperation.

Particular attention was paid to the timely realization of major projects designed to become flagships in the localization of production.

In particular, projects for the annual production of 100 thousand tons of polyvinyl chloride on the basis of Navoiazot, 500 thousand tons of metal at the Tashkent Metallurgical Plant, 744 thousand tons of diesel fuel in the Shurtan Gas Chemical Complex, a cluster of household appliances at the Tashkent Mechanical Plant, glass at enterprises Quartz, Sirdaryo Glass and Zarafshon Oina will make it possible to manufacture localized goods worth $ 2.5 billion a year. In addition, other industries will arise around them and new jobs will be created.

The Prime Minister and the chairman of the Accounts Chamber were urged to ensure the timely commissioning of these major projects.

When considering the issue of localization support, it was noted that it is essential to effectively use the system of guaranteeing and partial compensation of interest on loans from the State Fund for Supporting the Development of Entrepreneurship under the Cabinet of Ministers.

The possibility was also indicated of assistance to such projects in the form of payment of customs fees by installments up to 120 days, simplified certification and standardization of finished products of enterprises localizing production.

Priority tasks were identified for expanding and stimulating the participation of local enterprises in public procurement, improving the efficiency of tariff management of foreign trade.

Officials of sectors and regions presented their reports on issues discussed at the meeting.