Uzbekistan plans to double chemical industry output by 2030

TASHKENT. Dec 4 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan plans to at least double the production of the chemical industry by 2030, increase mineral fertilizer output 1.5-fold and raising exports to $1 billion, according to a statement on the website of the country's president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, following a meeting on the development of the chemical industry.

Mirziyoyev was presented with information on the progress of implementing the targeted strategy for the accelerated development and digitalization of the chemical sector.

At the meeting, it was noted that 21 major projects with a total cost of around $1 billion are currently being implemented in the sector. Initiatives for the next three years to launch projects worth another $4.5 billion have been prepared.

However, major chemical industry enterprises are experiencing rising energy costs due to outdated production capacities, which reduces the competitiveness of their products. In particular, the share of such costs in the production cost of nitrogen fertilizers reaches 55%. In this regard, the meeting identified the need to significantly reduce costs by introducing energy-efficient technologies and digital solutions.

It was also noted that despite demand in neighboring countries for products of the Uzbek chemical industry worth around $1 billion and favorable logistical conditions, this potential is not fully utilized. Through deep processing of local raw materials, it is possible to master new types of products and at least double exports.

This year, projects for the production of green mineral fertilizers, cyanide salts, potassium xanthate, potassium sulfate and other high value-added products have been launched in the Tashkent, Navoi, and Jizzakh regions. It was noted that it is already necessary to develop a strategy for expanding exports of these new products.

Given plans to harvest 4.5 million tonnes of cotton next year, the task has been set to ensure the required stock of phosphate fertilizers and timely supplies of a sufficient amount of sulfuric acid to fertilizer manufacturing enterprises.

Mirziyoyev emphasized the strategic importance of the chemical industry for the country's economy and gave instructions regarding the stable provision of the domestic market, increasing export potential and creating new jobs, media reported.