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Uzbekistan and the UAE have signed a memorandum of cooperation in the mining industry
Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates have signed an agreement to expand cooperation in the mining industry, aimed at scaling up investments, modernising infrastructure, and deepening economic ties between the two countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Al-Suwaidi and Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The agreement was concluded amid growing bilateral investment flows. According to WAM, UAE investments in Uzbekistan reached USD 1.3 billion in 2024, including approximately USD 700 million in the renewable energy sector, while more than USD 4 billion in joint projects are currently under implementation.
Commenting on the memorandum, Al-Suwaidi emphasised the long-term relationship between the two countries based on mutual trust and strong economic cooperation. “The signing of today’s agreement reflects the UAE’s commitment to building strategic international partnerships in sectors of mutual interest that support sustainable development and create long-term economic value,” the minister noted. He added that cooperation with Uzbekistan would unlock high-quality investment opportunities across the entire mineral value chain for the benefit of both countries.
The agreement focuses on the development and modernisation of key supporting infrastructure, including power generation, renewable energy, grid upgrades, water supply systems, and logistics networks. The document also предусматривает the promotion of digitalisation, the introduction of innovative solutions, and responsible governance, which are expected to strengthen the sector’s long-term sustainability and reliability.
Under the memorandum, cooperation covers the entire mining value chain — from exploration and mine development to processing and finished product manufacturing. Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev noted that the memorandum is an important step in strengthening cooperation with the Gulf state. “Through joint efforts in investment support, governance, human capital development, and monitoring mechanisms, we aim to promote responsible mineral resource development and create sustainable industrial growth opportunities for both economies,” Khodjaev said.
According to WAM, the agreement establishes a framework for cooperation involving government bodies, regulatory authorities, state investment companies, and the private sector, enabling structured financing mechanisms, including foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships.
Uzbekistan’s mining industry is a key driver of the economy, producing gold, copper, uranium, coal, oil, and natural gas, according to the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The sector is undergoing modernisation, with the government expanding production chains from extraction to processing, attracting foreign investment, and upgrading infrastructure through state-owned enterprises while ensuring inflows of international capital.
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