UAE And Uzbekistan Advance Mining Sector Development And Investment Cooperation

The UAE Government, through the Ministry of Investment, has agreed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Uzbekistan to expand cooperation in the mining sector. The arrangement aims to support sustainable growth, modernise operations, and increase long-term economic returns for both countries through coordinated investment and policy support.

The MoU was signed by Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, and Jamshid Khodjaev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan. The agreement covers activity across the minerals value chain, including exploration work, project development, and downstream manufacturing, creating a structured framework for joint projects and future investment platforms.

Under the UAE-Uzbekistan mining investment framework, government bodies, regulators, state-owned investment companies, and private firms will cooperate through dedicated investment institutions and sector-focused entities. This structure is designed to identify viable opportunities, support due diligence, and shape financing models, including foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships.

The UAE-Uzbekistan mining investment framework also targets the mobilisation of capital, access to technical know-how, and the use of advanced mining technologies. These elements are expected to raise productivity, improve safety and environmental standards, and strengthen the global competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s minerals industry over time.

Alongside project finance, the UAE-Uzbekistan mining investment plans place strong emphasis on supporting infrastructure. Priority areas include power generation, renewable energy solutions, grid upgrades, modern water systems, and improved logistics networks. The agreement also highlights digitalisation, innovation, and responsible governance to reinforce resilience and maintain sustainable operations.

Alsuwaidi stated, "The UAE and Uzbekistan share a longstanding relationship built on mutual trust and strong economic cooperation. Today’s signing reflects the UAE’s commitment to forging strategic international partnerships in sectors of mutual interest that support sustainable development and long term economic value creation. By working closely with Uzbekistan, we aim to unlock high-quality investment opportunities across the minerals value chain for the benefit of both nations."

Khodjaev said, " This MoU marks an important step in strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UAE in the minerals sector. Through collaboration on investment facilitation, governance, workforce development, and monitoring frameworks, we aim to support responsible mineral development and create sustainable industrial growth opportunities for both economies."

Economic ties linked to the UAE-Uzbekistan mining investment agenda are already significant and continue to grow. UAE investments in Uzbekistan reached US$1.3 billion in 2024, including US$700 million committed to renewable energy projects. In addition, more than US$4 billion worth of joint projects are currently under development across various sectors.

The UAE-Uzbekistan mining investment understanding brings together financial resources, regulatory cooperation, and technology transfer under one framework. By linking mining projects with infrastructure, energy, and workforce development, the partners aim to expand responsible mineral production while deepening an economic relationship that already shows strong momentum.

With inputs from WAM