Uzbekistan to reduce imports by $1.1 billion in 2017
By Kamila Aliyeva
Uzbekistan intends to reduce imports by more than $ 1.1 billion in 2017 through reorientation of purchases in favor of localized goods and organization of production of new types of import-substituting products, according to the Uzbek Ministry of Economy.
The ministry reported that 960 projects worth 6.5 trillion sums are expected to be realized in 2017 in this regard. Also, 122 kinds of necessary products recommended to mastering by the domestic enterprises are defined.
In accordance with the program of localization of production for 2017-2019 approved by President Mirziyoyev's decree, the possibility of placing production facilities in all districts and cities of Uzbekistan for the production of goods imported by the enterprises of these territories is being studied.
Until 2019, the implementation of 1.1 million localization projects with a total output of $3.4 billion is planned.
Over the past three years, imports have been completely discontinued for more than 100 commodity groups, including mine trolleys, vacuum pumps, tower cranes, certain types of refractories and acid-resistant materials, wall materials, sandwich panels and carpets.
Imports for more than 350 items - TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers, vacuum cleaners, household lamps, car filters and radiators, all-metal cylinders, spiral-seam and straight steel pipes, copper pipes, ceramic tiles, linoleum, certain types of synthetic fiber fabrics, medical ampoules, printing ink, children's toys, sports equipment - was halved.
In 2010-2016, about 2,000 localization projects were realized in the country, due to which the accumulated annual effect of import substitution exceeded $7.5 billion.
Some 877 new enterprises were involved in export activities in 2016, the geography of foreign deliveries of domestic products has expanded to 60 new markets.
More than $16.6 billion was invested in Uzbek economy during 2016 which is 9.6 percent more than in 2015. The volume of disbursed foreign direct investments and loans increased by 11.3 percent and exceeded $3.7 billion.
---
Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz