Uzbekistan has ordered officials to attract additional rolling stock for freight transport and seek an agreement with the World Bank on $200 million in railway infrastructure financing, the presidential press service reported.
Rail carries about 70% of the country’s foreign-trade freight. The authorities identified wagon shortages and congestion on some lines as obstacles for businesses and instructed the responsible agencies to expand available capacity.
The World Bank financing has not yet been approved: officials were told to reach an agreement on attracting $200 million. The proposed funding would support railway infrastructure development.
The meeting also reviewed 509 export-oriented facilities commissioned over the past three years. Of these, 208 have not entered foreign markets, while 29 of the country’s 47 special economic zones recorded no export operations.
Operational teams will help companies with certification, working capital, market access and logistics. The authorities also ordered stronger protection for Uzbek brands against dumping and counterfeit products.
