Measures to accelerate major chemical industry investment projects reviewed

On March 11, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on the progress of major investment projects and the launch of new production facilities in the chemical industry.

At the meeting, progress in the industry was critically reviewed, and it was noted that the sector needs a new system of strategic planning and development based on the “goal – action – result” principle. Instructions were issued to establish clear indicators for increasing chemical production, commissioning new facilities, and expanding export potential.

In particular, the task was set to increase the industry’s exports to $720 million this year. The need to raise production of nitrogen fertilizers to 1.12 million tons, phosphate fertilizers to 135,000 tons, and potash fertilizers to 222,000 tons was emphasized to ensure planned agricultural output.

As noted, this year the industry and regions plan to attract $2.5 billion in investment as part of the implementation of 133 projects worth $9.5 billion. In particular, 24 strategic projects at chemical industry enterprises and in the regions envisage the utilization of $1.3 billion in investment and the launch of seven new production facilities.

The progress of projects to expand production at the Kungrad Soda Plant, launch mineral fertilizer production at the Samarkandkimyo enterprise, and increase the capacity of the Dehkanabad Potash Plant was critically reviewed. Unacceptable delays were noted. Responsible officials were instructed to work with investors to ensure the accelerated completion of these projects.

Attention was also given to the processing of industrial phosphogypsum waste accumulated during the operations of the Ammofos-Maxam enterprise. The need to effectively utilize this waste to produce additional products, including sulfuric acid, was emphasized.

Issues related to the development of modern scientific and technological infrastructure for the strategic advancement of the chemical industry were also considered.

In particular, plans were presented to establish a chemical-technological innovation center jointly with leading South Korean companies. The center will specialize in research in areas such as gas and coal chemistry, advanced chemical analysis, sorbents, catalysts, and nano- and composite materials, and is expected to become the only research institute of its kind in Central Asia.

The presentation also provided information on the progress of projects to launch the production of solvents, dry cyanides, caustic soda, silicone, and mineral fertilizers, to modernize facilities for producing ammonia, urea, and ammonium nitrate at the Ferghanaazot enterprise, to launch ammonium nitrate production at Navoiyazot, to manufacture household chemicals in the Tashkent region and to produce a new type of tire at the First Rubber Plant.

In addition, plans to improve the efficiency of project management at Uzkimyosanoat JSC were reviewed.

Specifically, an ERP system has been introduced at the company and its constituent enterprises. It has been integrated with the databases of 21 ministries, agencies, and procurement operators, while 16 information systems have been consolidated into a single digital platform. Plans also envisage the gradual introduction of artificial intelligence technologies for analyzing and forecasting financial condition, as well as predicting demand for mineral fertilizers. In addition, it is planned to cover all stages of the movement of mineral fertilizers, from the enterprise to the farmers, with digital supervision.

The task was set, jointly with the Chamber of Accounts, to reduce production costs in the chemical industry by 10–15 percent through lower energy and raw material costs, as well as digitalization measures.

In conclusion, the Head of State instructed responsible officials to accelerate the implementation of major investment projects in the chemical industry, promptly address existing issues, and commission new production capacities within the established deadlines.