Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and Malaysia are set to implement projects for the production of high-purity monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon, as well as ultra-pure graphite.

In an interview with the O’zbekiston 24 TV channel, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, emphasized that the economies of the two countries complement each other.

One of the key areas of cooperation will be industrial collaboration in the field of electronics and semiconductors.

According to the minister, Uzbekistan possesses significant reserves of critical minerals and resources, creating opportunities for a new stage of industrial development and the establishment of semiconductor component production. Laziz Kudratov highlighted that Uzbekistan has reached agreements with three major Malaysian companies to launch joint projects focused on the production of high-purity monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon, as well as ultra-pure graphite.

"This graphite is in demand not only in the semiconductor industry but also in nuclear energy and the space industry," the minister added. He expressed confidence that cooperation with Malaysian partners would elevate Uzbekistan’s economy and domestic enterprises to a new level.

Additionally, Malaysian companies will organize a professional development program for Uzbek specialists in the semiconductor sector, which will include both theoretical and practical training.

Uzbekistan and Malaysia also plan to strengthen their collaboration in the chemical industry. Laziz Kudratov announced that, in partnership with leading Malaysian companies, new enterprises will be established, and business initiatives will be launched to produce fine chemicals and components essential for industries such as construction materials, paints, and pharmaceuticals.

"Malaysia will share its technologies with us and invest in these sectors in Uzbekistan," he added.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan and Malaysia plan to create a joint online platform to monitor the status of collaborative projects. Every quarter, the heads of the two states will receive reports on the progress of their agreements.