Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Industrial cooperation and innovation have become key themes at the 5th International Industrial Exhibition “Innoprom. Central Asia,” taking place at CAEx Uzbekistan.

Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, emphasized that in response to global challenges, it is essential to expand the horizons of partnership.

Mutually beneficial cooperation in Central Asia could serve as a powerful driver for the development of various industries. Currently, more than 650 joint projects are being implemented in Uzbekistan with a total value of US$67 billion.

Despite global instability, Uzbekistan’s economy grew by 6.5% in 2024 — one of the highest rates in the Eurasian region. The government forecasts further GDP growth: 6% in 2025, 6.1% in 2026, and 6.3% in 2027. These optimistic projections are driven by several factors, including an increase in industrial production, which grew by 6.5% in the first quarter of 2025.

Irina Kazovskaya, Chair of the Aluminum Association, spoke about the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan in the aluminum industry and related sectors during the session titled “Infrastructure Demands from Above: Cross-Sectoral Partnerships and Innovations for Advanced Infrastructure Projects in Uzbekistan.” In her speech, she presented the potential of Russian enterprises in areas such as construction, including road infrastructure, mechanical engineering, transport manufacturing, energy, and more.

Kazovskaya highlighted that in 2024, Uzbekistan adopted interstate standards previously developed by Russia. An agreement was reached to apply Russian national standards within Uzbekistan, which will serve as an additional impetus for the development of bilateral industrial cooperation and the introduction of innovative, eco-friendly materials.

“We are open to partnering with Uzbek companies for the joint implementation of infrastructure projects in sectors such as energy, transport, construction, and industry, which will contribute to the economic development of both countries,” said Kazovskaya.

One of the solutions is an aluminum-zirconium alloy, in high demand among transmission and distribution energy companies, which doubles the transmission capacity of power lines. Innovative 8000-series alloys have already proven effective in energy projects across the Eurasian Economic Union, including in residential construction. New-generation cable products with improved conductivity enable the modernization of outdated power grids, the construction of new transmission lines and substations, and the development of thermal, hydro, and renewable energy sources.

Companies within the Aluminum Association are also offering aluminum solutions for Uzbekistan’s road and transport infrastructure. The urban improvement practices and creation of comfortable, safe environments implemented in Russia under the national project “Infrastructure for Life” could be successfully adapted for Uzbekistan. These include bus shelters, covered and open bike parking, lighting poles, noise barriers, and more.

The design and production method for aluminum bridges, developed by the Aluminum Association’s experts, allows for rapid construction of pedestrian bridges from aluminum alloys in any climate. The advantages of these structures include low operating costs, accelerated construction timelines, and no need for anti-corrosion treatment.

The modern transportation sector is undergoing revolutionary changes, driven by innovative aluminum solutions. Russian enterprises manufacture cast and forged wheels, automotive components, tram interiors, and elements for electric buses and metro cars. New standards in freight transport are also noteworthy.

Next-generation aluminum tank containers ensure safe transportation of chemicals and food products thanks to the material’s unique inert properties. The lightweight nature of aluminum hopper cars reduces stress on railway infrastructure, extending its lifespan.

Aluminum refrigerated containers with enhanced thermal insulation are particularly useful for Uzbekistan’s agro-industrial sector. These solutions have undergone full testing and offer new opportunities for modernizing transport systems and creating more efficient logistics chains.

The construction industry also presents broad opportunities for cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan. Over the past six years, Russia has completely reformed the regulatory framework for the construction sector. Its priorities include safety, high quality, energy efficiency, seismic resistance, and low operating costs. Aluminum materials, offering both economic and environmental efficiency, have become an integral part of modern construction projects. For example, aluminum is used in the cladding of façades and interiors at Moscow Metro stations, significantly speeding up construction and setting a record for the length of the ring line.

“Aluminum is an irreplaceable material in construction. More than 25% of aluminum consumption comes from this sector. In recent years, Russian enterprises and research institutions have developed many innovative aluminum alloys, significantly expanding the use of aluminum in energy, transport, mechanical engineering, and construction. We are ready to share successful practices and expand cooperation in all areas. I am confident this will bring additional benefits to the economies of our countries and contribute to the development of the aluminum industry,” emphasized Irina Kazovskaya.