On the eve of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to the Bukhara region, the “Enpipe” enterprise was put into operation in the “Karakul” Free Economic Zone.
The project, with a total cost of US $58 million, was fully implemented with foreign investments. Modern equipment from China, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Spain was brought in and installed, enabling a production capacity of 300 thousand tons of metal pipes per year.
These pipes, manufactured using the direct seam method, are resistant to high pressure and external influences. Previously, such products were mainly imported. Due to the large volumes of pipes, their transportation required significant capacity, increasing their cost.
Instead, metal sheets of various thicknesses are now delivered to the factory, from which pipes are manufactured. As a result, their production cost has decreased by 25 percent.
There is high demand for such durable pipes in the gas-chemical and mining industries, construction, and other sectors. In particular, they will be used in the gas-chemical complex under construction here.
The enterprise employs more than 400 people. The President was presented with plans and information about the next stages of the factory’s development.
Work has begun on implementing the second phase of the project. The aim is to establish the production of pressure-resistant tanks of various sizes. Another 500 new jobs will be created.
When the project reaches full capacity, it will be possible to produce products worth US $121 million, significantly increasing the enterprise’s export potential.
The President also spoke with media representatives.
– The purpose of our visit to Bukhara today is to improve the lives of more than 2 million residents, create sources of income, and reduce poverty. In many parts of the region, the soil has high salinity. Therefore, we focus more on industry rather than agriculture. Why did we build this factory? Previously, we spent a lot of money on importing such pipes. Moreover, today we will begin the construction of new facilities. Around them, other enterprises and jobs will emerge. Ultimately, light, confidence, and hope will come into people’s homes. This hope unites us, – said the President.
The “Karakul” Free Economic Zone will play an important role in the region’s industry. It was established based on the relevant decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated August 13, 2021. Its total area is 566 hectares, and five large projects have already been placed there. Upon completion of all implementation stages, the total number of jobs will be about three thousand.