Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 6
Demir Azizov - Trend:
An enterprise for production of solar collectors was commissioned in the Jizzakh Special Industrial Zone (SIZ) of Uzbekistan, a representative of the Uzbekenergo State Joint-Stock Company told Trend.
The enterprise, called Quyosh Issiqlik Energiyasi (Solar Thermal Power), was jointly commissioned by Uzbekistan and China.
The framework agreement on cooperation in organizing the new projects for introduction of energy-saving innovations was signed between Uzbekenergo and the Chinese company Hangzhou Zhongwu Electronic Meters Company Limited in April 2013.
In July 2013, Jizzax Hududiy Elektr Tarmoqlari Korxonasi, Uzbekenergo and Hangzhou Zhongwu Electronic Meters Company Limited inked an agreement on establishing a joint venture in the Jizzakh SIZ.
The project worth $3.34 million provides manufacturing of 50,000 solar water heaters annually.
The project is being financed with the help of the Chinese side's direct investments.
Jizzakh SIZ was created in March 2013 by the order of Uzbek President Islam Karimov.
The purpose of establishing this zone is to create favorable conditions for attracting foreign and domestic investments to set up modern high-tech industrial production.
Jizzakh SIZ will operate 30 years with a possible extension of its functioning term.
A special tax regime and customs privileges will be used in the special industrial zone during this period.
Earlier it was reported that by late this year, Chinese businessmen will launch over 15 joint investment projects in the Jizzakh SIZ with involvement of Chinese direct investments worth $50 million.
Jizzakh SIZ is the third special economic zone in Uzbekistan.
The free industrial economic zone Navoi and free industrial zone Angren were created in 2008 and 2012, respectively.