TASHKENT: China and Uzbekistan are making significant progress on their joint venture to produce electric and hybrid vehicles in Uzbekistan. The venture, involving China’s BYD Auto, the leading seller of electric vehicles surpassing Tesla in 2022, and Uzavtosanoat JSC, is taking shape, with construction underway for an assembly facility in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh Region. While the exact production timeline has not been finalized, an initial annual production target of 50,000 vehicles has been set, with ambitions to reach 300,000 vehicles annually during the venture’s start-up phase.
BYD CEO Wang Chuanfu traveled to Tashkent for the signing ceremony, emphasizing the venture’s potential. “It’s time for Chinese automakers to upend the order of the global auto industry and chart a course into a new vast territory,” he stated. The venture also aims to expand its operations, including parts localization and export, as discussed during Wang’s meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In a related move, transport ministers from Central Asian states, including China, met at the Global Forum on Sustainable Transport in Beijing. The discussions focused on developing transport cooperation, creating efficient transport corridors, and increasing transit traffic.
China Cooperation with Central Asian Countries
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is exploring new trade avenues with China, aiming to purchase up to 1.35 million tons of jet fuel from Chinese refineries in Xinjiang Province. With concerns about Russia’s reliability as a supplier due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Kazakhstan is seeking alternative sources. Representatives from the Chinese refineries are expected to visit Kazakhstan soon for a feasibility assessment.
Further cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China is underway, with Kyrgyz beer finding its way into international markets. During the first seven months of 2023, Kyrgyzstan exported 1.18 million liters of beer to Latvia, making it the top destination for Kyrgyz beer. China ranked second, importing 774,000 liters of Kyrgyz beer. Kyrgyz government officials have visited China to boost trade and investment, resulting in deals worth $150 million across various sectors.
In Tajikistan, discussions are ongoing to enhance cooperation with China in traditional medicine. A delegation from the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine met with Tajikistan’s Deputy Health Minister to explore potential collaborations.
As Central Asian nations strengthen ties with China in various sectors, these developments underscore the growing economic and trade partnerships in the region, paving the way for increased collaboration and mutual benefits.
