Uzbekistan, as a country participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, is targeting sustainable development by advancing a series of major capacity projects. In the field of green energy development, Chinese enterprise projects are becoming an important part of bilateral cooperation, bringing not only economic benefits to Uzbekistan but also aiding in improving local livelihoods and promoting social progress.
Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated at a relevant work meeting earlier this year that in recent years, the country has placed great emphasis on the development of green energy, established the necessary legal framework, and launched large-scale green energy capacity construction projects, providing a favorable business environment for investors. Green energy is becoming a significant driver of Uzbekistan's economic growth, and is considered "a truly nationwide movement."
The 1 GW photovoltaic project in Kashkadarya, Uzbekistan, wtaken on June 20. [Photo by Xinhua News Agency, courtesy of CGGC]
In the deserts of Kashkadarya and Bukhara in Uzbekistan, Chinese solar photovoltaic panels are neatly arranged, glistening in the sunlight. The 1 GW photovoltaic project in Uzbekistan, invested by China Gezhouba Group Overseas Investment Co., Ltd (CGGC), is the first large-scale new energy project invested and constructed by Chinese enterprises in Central Asia following the first China-Central Asia Summit last May. It is also the largest photovoltaic project invested and constructed by Chinese enterprises in Central Asia under the Belt and Road framework.
The 1 GW photovoltaic project in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, taken on June 20. [Photo by Xinhua News Agency, courtesy of CGGC]
According to reports, the project can provide approximately 1,600 jobs during its construction and operation. Once fully operational, it is expected to generate 2.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The project has already achieved full capacity grid connection, contributing Chinese power to Uzbekistan's energy structure transformation.
In addition to project construction, CGGC also focuses on talent development for local employees, organizing various activities such as technical training, and visits to local orphanages and nursing homes, aiming to bring social benefits to the local community.
Nordly, a local employee of the project, works in a comprehensive management position in Karshi, Kashkadarya. His duties mainly include administrative and logistics management of the project, handling personnel visas, translation, and external liaison.
Nordly joined the company in August 2023. He said, "In less than a year, I have fully adapted and can complete various work tasks. Compared to before, my income has increased significantly, and I am very confident about my future work and life."
Nordly added, "As a local employee of the company, I can feel the significant importance of the project to Uzbekistan. Officials at all levels of the Uzbek government attach great importance to our project. As an ordinary employee, I am proud to participate in this major bilateral cooperation project and contribute to my country's development. I believe the company's future will be even better, and I will have greater career prospects in the Chinese enterprise."
Azamat Seitov, an expert at Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Uzbekistan, stated that Uzbekistan is actively developing its energy infrastructure, with the transition to renewable energy being a key policy direction. Chinese enterprises have played an active role in this regard. Chinese projects can positively impact Uzbekistan's economic development, while large energy projects can provide local jobs and help improve local livelihoods.
Uzbek political observer Tulaganov said that Uzbekistan, located in the heart of Central Asia with a diversified economy, is a key participant in Central Asia-China cooperation, the Belt and Road Initiative, and related initiatives under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Currently, China is in a period of rapid development of innovative technologies, and Uzbekistan can learn from China's experience in green economic transformation, which is of great significance to Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan.
Reporter: Li Ao
Source: <http://www.news.cn/silkroad/20240717/26967a62129e4ba78deb9e8bca06888b/c.html>
Translated by Chen Xiao
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