Shavkat Mirziyoyev (2nd R), president of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Wang Chuanfu (2nd L), chairman of BYD, communicate at the company’s headquarters in Pingshan District on Jan. 25. Photos by Lin Jianping

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, president of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Wang Chuanfu, chairman of BYD, readily agreed to further deepen cooperation in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector at BYD’s headquarters in Pingshan District on Jan. 25.

Mirziyoyev visited BYD, the leading global manufacturer of NEVs and batteries, during his visit to Shenzhen, the last stop of his three-day state visit to China. The Uzbek president was the first head of state that has visited Shenzhen this year.

Wang Chuanfu (L) shakes hands with Shavkat Mirziyoyev at a ceremony marking the start of production of electric and hybrid cars in Uzbekistan. 

At BYD’s headquarters, Mirziyoyev and Wang attended the launch ceremony that marked the production of electric and hybrid cars at the production plant in the Uzbek province of Jizzax. The car plant, which was announced last year, is a joint venture between BYD and Uzavtosanoat JSC (UzAuto). It aims to initially reach an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles. Subsequently, annual production is to be increased six-fold to 300,000 vehicles.

The delivery ceremony of BYD’s 10,000th NEV in Uzbekistan was also held. In a talk with Wang, Mirziyoyev said that BYD’s vehicles are gaining traction in Uzbekistan. “We hope to join hands with BYD to boost the development of Uzbekistan’s NEV industry.”

Wang Chuanfu (L) and Shavkat Mirziyoyev pose for a photo with a BYD's Yangwang U8 SUV at a ceremony marking the delivery of the 10,000th new energy vehicle to Uzbekistan on Jan. 25.

Wang said BYD is optimistic about the company’s growth in Uzbekistan, and the company is glad to ante up investment in the Central Asian country. “We will bring our innovative products and technologies to Uzbekistan and help talent training in the country,” Wang said.

BYD is also planning to build a second car plant in Uzbekistan, according to Wang.