Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on the progress of projects in the chemical industry and the plans for the diversification of the sector.

As a result of recent reforms in the chemical industry, market mechanisms have been introduced, and broad access to investments has been opened. To expand the production chain, three chemical clusters were created in Navoi, Fergana, and Kungrad, along with two technoparks in Chirchik and Jizzakh. The Kokand superphosphate plant underwent a complete modernization.

Over the past five years, 23 new enterprises have been launched, and more than 4,000 jobs have been created. International brands have entered the industry, and the production of small-tonnage products has been established. As a result, the output in the chemical industry has increased by 1.5 times.

During the presentation, the head of state was informed about the work done and plans for the current year. In the first quarter, $181 million of investments were utilized, and three projects worth $39 million were put into operation.

In the second quarter, an additional $170 million in foreign investments will be used to complete the construction and launch of plants for producing "green" hydrogen and cyanide salts.

The digitalization of the industry and its integration with related sectors will continue. Additional modules will be introduced into the unified treasury system of chemical plants, and 15 key economic indicators of the enterprises will be reflected on the "Unified Digital Platform."

Special attention was given to energy efficiency issues. The need to reduce production costs through energy conservation and the efficient use of production capacities was emphasized.

It was noted that there is significant untapped potential and a rapidly growing demand for chemical products in the domestic market. Due to the unstable situation in global markets, new approaches need to be introduced.

Measures for structural transformation of the industry, deepening localization, and increasing added value were discussed.

The President tasked the responsible parties with developing a new chemical industry development program that takes into account modern requirements and economic forecasts, with an emphasis on sector diversification and the development of new directions for the production of high-added-value products.