Uzbekistan and China collaborate on $11 million battery plant for electric scooters in Kokand Free Economic Zone
A new factory has opened in the Kokand Free Economic Zone to manufacture batteries for electric scooters. The joint venture, known as Hong Gang International, was officially inaugurated on March 22, with key figures such as regional governor Khayrullo Bozorov and Chinese investors in attendance.
With an initial investment of $11 million, the factory has already provided jobs for around 300 individuals and is set to produce 250,000 lead-based batteries annually. This marks the beginning of a significant partnership between Uzbekistan and China, as the Chinese partners have also initiated a separate $60 million project within the Kokand FEZ.
The establishment of this factory aligns with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s efforts to boost the country’s electrical engineering sector. In line with this vision, plans are underway to launch four private enterprises in the Kokand FEZ for the production of electric scooters, with a total capacity of 28,000 units per year, by 2022.
Looking ahead, discussions are underway for the creation of a battery manufacturing plant for electric scooters and e-scooters in Bukhara Region. The project aims to involve the South Korean company AIMS and expand the production capabilities of electric vehicles in Uzbekistan. With these developments, the country’s electric vehicle industry is poised for growth and innovation in the coming years.
