Chinese construction firm Xinjiang Qianyuan Kunyu Construction Engineering has unveiled plans to develop nine mini-hydroelectric power plants in Uzbekistan, marking another step in deepening bilateral energy cooperation between the two nations.
The investment agreement was formalized during a high-level meeting between Ilzat Kasymov, Deputy Head of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade, and Hou Hue, General Director of Xinjiang Qianyuan Kunyu. The proposed hydropower facilities will be strategically located along the Karadarya River in the Andijan region, a key area for renewable energy potential in eastern Uzbekistan.
The project aims to enhance Uzbekistan’s clean energy capacity by establishing a network of small-scale hydroelectric stations, contributing to the country’s broader strategy for energy diversification and sustainability. During the meeting, both parties discussed the technical roadmap and implementation steps required to bring the project to fruition.
Broader Sino-Uzbek Cooperation
The announcement comes amid a flurry of Chinese investment activity in Uzbekistan. On April 8, Deputy Minister Kasymov also held talks with Wang Licheng, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Holley Group, to assess the progress of the Great Silk Road Industrial Technopark project in Almalyk. Covering 227.4 hectares, the industrial zone is projected to attract over 100 projects worth $1 billion, with the potential to create approximately 3,000 new jobs.
Additionally, Chinese investors are initiating several projects in Uzbekistan’s Bukhara region, including a LED lamp production facility and a new four-star hotel, further cementing China’s role as a key development partner.
Strong Trade Ties
China continues to be Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner. In the first two months of 2025 (2M25), trade turnover reached $2.08 billion. While this reflects a slight decline from $2.12 billion during the same period in 2024, it remains significantly higher than $1.33 billion in 2023. As of early 2025, China accounts for 19.2% of Uzbekistan’s total trade volume.
The growing volume of Chinese-led infrastructure and industrial projects—ranging from renewable energy to advanced manufacturing—demonstrates the deepening strategic relationship between Uzbekistan and China, with tangible benefits for energy security, job creation, and technological advancement.