Uzbekistan and Malaysia agreed to implement projects in the critical minerals sector, minister of investment, industry and trade Laziz Kudratov said in an interview with the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel on 5 February. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was in Malaysia on an official visit.
The economies of Uzbekistan and Malaysia complement each other, creating opportunities for industrial cooperation in electronics and semiconductors, the minister noted.
He highlighted Uzbekistan’s vast reserves of critical minerals and resources, which will enable the country to “transition to a new stage of industrial development and establish production of semiconductor components”.
“We have agreements with three leading Malaysian companies on creation of joint projects for the production of high-purity monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon, as well as ultra-pure graphite. The latter is used not only in the semiconductor industry but also in nuclear energy and the space sector,” Kudratov stated.
Collaboration with Malaysian companies will allow Uzbekistan’s economy and domestic enterprises to reach a new level of development, he emphasized.
Malaysian partners will also launch a specialized training program for Uzbekistan’s specialists in semiconductor manufacturing, covering both theoretical and practical aspects.
“The second important area is chemistry. Together with leading Malaysian companies, we are establishing new enterprises for the production of fine chemicals and components critical to industries such as construction materials, paints and pharmaceuticals. Malaysia will share its technologies and invest in these areas in Uzbekistan,” Kudratov added.
The sides also plan to collaborate in automotive manufacturing, food security and food industry.
Uzbekistan and Malaysia intend to create a joint platform that will enable real-time tracking of project implementation. Quarterly reports on the progress of agreements and projects will be presented to the leaders of both nations.
One of Uzbekistan’s largest graphite deposits is Taskazgan site, located in Peshku district of Bukhara region. The deposit’s reserves are estimated at 6.2 million tons, with projected resources of approximately 40 million tons.
A special economic zone was established in Tashkent region for Malaysian entrepreneurs, offering various incentives. President of Uzbekistan invited Malaysian investors, assuring that each project would receive a separate government resolution.
Following talks between president Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, agreements were signed on cooperation in customs affairs, higher education, healthcare and the development of smart cities. Additionally, a partnership plan for combating corruption in 2025−2026 was established.
The president also expressed support for Malaysian Petronas in implementing projects in Uzbekistan related to advanced raw material processing and green energy. Key areas of collaboration include geological exploration and the development of hydrocarbon fields.
