President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on October 15 received a delegation led by the Minister of Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Khalid Al-Falih, the Presidential Press Service reported. During the meeting, issues of further expanding economic and investment cooperation between the two countries were discussed.
The distinguished guest conveyed to the President greetings and best wishes from King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia. During the conversation, the importance of implementing high-level agreements, accelerating large joint projects, and promoting new initiatives was emphasized.
In recent years, Uzbekistan–Saudi Arabia relations have been developing dynamically. Trade turnover, investment volumes, and the number of joint ventures are increasing. Up to 60 flights per week are operated between the two countries.
Currently, the portfolio of joint projects has reached 27 billion US dollars. Of this, 15 billion dollars account for major “green” energy projects with the company “ACWA Power.” It was noted that this year alone, Saudi investors have invested 2 billion dollars in Uzbekistan.
At the meeting, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the launch of the construction of the new Tashkent International Airport is an important symbol of the long-term partnership between the two countries.
“We highly value our Saudi partners who contribute significantly to Uzbekistan’s economic growth and modernization,” said the Head of State.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined the priority areas of cooperation with Saudi companies. Special attention was given to implementing major projects in the energy sector — including the construction of wind and solar power plants and the development of “green” hydrogen production.
In addition, it was reported that with the participation of “Data Volt,” a modern data center is being built in Tashkent. Similar centers are planned in New Tashkent and Bukhara, and cooperation in the field of digital economy and artificial intelligence will be expanded.
Attracting Saudi investment in the mineral resources sector was also highlighted as a key direction. Based on deposits of tungsten, lithium, magnesium, titanium, and other valuable minerals, Uzbekistan plans to establish the “Metals of the Future Technopark.” The President invited Saudi entrepreneurs to actively participate in geological exploration, extraction, and processing projects.
In the field of infrastructure, several projects are being implemented. In particular, “Miahona” is working on wastewater treatment projects in Fergana and Jizzakh, as well as modernizing water supply systems and pumping stations in Karakalpakstan. Agreements have also been reached with “Saudi Tabreed” on developing the utility sector.
The meeting, attended by leading Saudi corporations such as “ACWA Power,” “Vision Invest,” “Al Muhaidib Group,” “Riyadh Cables,” “InterHealth,” “AlMajdiah,” “Pemco,” and others, opened a new stage in bilateral cooperation.
Representatives of the Saudi delegation highly appreciated Uzbekistan’s stable economic policy, favorable investment climate, and open market reforms, expressing their intention to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and promote concrete projects and programs.
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