Uzbek president gives instructions to increase production of copper with high added value

TASHKENT. Oct 9 (Interfax) - Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has given instructions to increase the production of high value-added copper products during a presentation of measures for developing the electrical engineering industry and increasing the sector's export potential.

"The industry still has significant untapped opportunities. In particular, the tasks of increasing the share of high value-added products, deep processing of copper, and diversifying exports remain relevant," Uzbek media quote Mirziyoyev as saying.

Mirziyoyev noted that around 60% of copper product exports consist of high value-added goods. According to forecasts, copper production in the country will reach 250,000 tonnes in the coming years and 500,000 tonnes by 2030, he said. Alongside the production of traditional types of products, it is necessary to more actively develop high-tech areas, including developing electronics and the semiconductor industry, he said.

"Responsible managers reported on projects aimed at using this raw material base to produce high value-added products. Among them are the production of servers, industrial electronics, air conditioners, solar panels, control and measuring instruments and automation, as well as smart cards," the media said.

According to the data provided, a portfolio of 157 projects with a total value of $2.1 billion has been formed in the industry, the implementation of which will create 14,500 new jobs.