MOSCOW. April 14 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has met with Uzbekistan's energy minister, Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, in Moscow to discuss cooperation in the oil, gas and electric power industries, including projects on renewable energy, hydroelectric power plants, and the development of nuclear power, the Russian government's press service said.
In particular, the two ministers discussed a possible increase in the export of oil and petroleum products to Uzbekistan, and the prospects for Rosatom's participation in building new nuclear power facilities.
In 2022, trade between the two countries was up 26% compared to 2021. Exports increased by 17.7%, and imports by 51.3% year on year. This trend has continued so far into 2023: in January, trade was up 24.6% compared to the same month in 2022.
Russia remains a key investor in Uzbekistan's economy. Russian companies, including those specializing in fuel and energy, are boosting their investments in the Uzbek economy, and began working on 19 new joint projects in 2022, the service said.
Novak invited Mirzamahmudov to attend the first Caucasus Investment Fair in Mineralniye Vody on May 3-4, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 14-17, and Russian Energy Week in Moscow on October 11-13.