Uzbekistan to establish electric vehicle component production in collaboration with BYD

The country's automotive industry currently boasts eight factories producing a variety of vehicles, from passenger and cargo transports to agricultural and special equipment. In addition to these, over 2,000 enterprises are engaged in the production of components and spare parts via cooperative efforts.

During a state visit to China in January of this year, the president visited the headquarters of BYD Company, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer. In collaboration with BYD, a project has been initiated in the Jizzakh region to assemble hybrid and electric vehicles. Discussions were held with BYD's head to potentially increase production capacity to 500,000 units in the near future.

The industry's growing significance is evidenced by the tenfold increase in electric vehicle sales in Uzbekistan over the past three years. In 2023, electric and hybrid cars accounted for 35% of the nation's car imports.

The president underscored the need for localizing the production of components for electric vehicles, in conjunction with BYD partners, to ensure competitiveness in this emerging sector. There's an ongoing effort to establish an integrated system connecting the Turin Polytechnic Institute in Tashkent with engineering centers, research institutes, and laboratories.

With the expected growth in the electric vehicle industry, the imminent demand for skilled workers highlights the urgency for immediate training and workforce development.

Given these projections, the government has recognized the importance of accelerating the development of a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging stations. The decision to formulate a comprehensive charging network development program reflects the country's commitment to embracing electric mobility and cultivating a skilled workforce for this dynamic sector.