Uzbekistan aiming to attract investors for public-private partnership projects worth $30 bln

TASHKENT. Oct 23 (Interfax) - Plans to implement projects worth $30 billion based on public-private partnerships (PPP) in Uzbekistan were discussed at a meeting chaired by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbek media reported on Wednesday.

"Investment projects worth $30 billion based on public-private partnerships have been approved. In particular, a transport program worth $10 billion, a social program worth $6 billion and a utilities program worth $5 billion are stipulated. Tasks have been set to attract investors for these projects and to effectively channel funds," the media said.

It was announced during the meeting that 366 large-scale projects totaling $140 billion are currently being implemented across all sectors. Equipment, raw materials and building supplies worth $15 billion are imported annually for these projects.

"Proposals for developing cooperation between branches of industry and the regions and increasing the share of domestic products and services in state procurement were announced at the meeting," they said.

The meeting also reviewed foreign investment and subsequent plans. In particular, it was announced that the country has received over $23.6 billion in foreign investment in nine months of this year, and 120 large production facilities valued at $4.6 billion have been commissioned.

"This pace will be maintained until the end of the year. As such, the total amount of foreign investment attracted in 2017-2024 is expected to exceed $100 billion," Mirziyoyev was quoted as saying.