Uzbekistan plans to increase exports of construction materials to $1 bln in 2024

TASHKENT. Sept 24 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan plans to implement new projects in the construction industry for $3.5 billion, and expects to increase exports of construction materials to $1 billion in 2024, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at a meeting on developing the construction industry.

"The market for exporting construction materials has expanded to 58 countries. More than 20 warehouses and more than 50 stores have been opened abroad. It is planned this year to increase the export volume to $1 billion," Uzbekistan's media quoted Mirziyoyev as saying.

Mirziyoyev noted the importance of implementing 350 new projects in the industry in a timely manner, and there are plans to employ 50,000 citizens from low-income families during implementation.

Mirziyoyev recalled that $9 billion has been invested in the construction materials sector, about 5,000 new enterprises have been launched, and 94,000 permanent jobs have been created over the past seven years.

The volume of construction has doubled over the past five years, and the share of imports in construction has decreased from 31% to 25% owing to developing new products totaling $650 million.

Mirziyoyev indicated the need to boost production of building materials that would reduce energy consumption in new residential and social buildings, as well as the importance of reducing energy costs in the production of building materials.