Mirziyoyev approved a project to modernize the power grid of the Samarkand region with the participation of AKSA

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved a project to modernize the Samarkand region's power grids, in which the Turkish company AKSA will participate. The corresponding resolution, "On measures to implement the project 'Modernization and Management of Electricity Distribution Networks in the Samarkand Region Based on Public-Private Partnership,'" was signed on August 17, 2026, under number PP-295.

The Turkish company AKSA Elektrik Perakende Satış A.Ş. won the international tender, supported by the International Finance Corporation. Its subsidiary, AKSA Samarqand Electricity Distribution LLC, was established to implement the project in Uzbekistan.

On January 29, 2026, the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan and the private partner signed a state support agreement. According to this document, the private partner undertakes to attract direct investment of $357 million over the first 12 years of the project. During this period, the company will be engaged in the expansion, modernization, reconstruction, management, and operation of the Samarkand region's power grid.

On the same day, a public-private partnership agreement was signed between the private partner and JSC "Khududiy Elektr Tarmoqlari."

The resolution sets targets for reducing electricity losses in distribution networks. If, based on the results of a technical audit, the annual loss rate is 20-25%, it must be reduced by 1.4 percentage points annually during the operational period. If the loss rate is 15-20%, the reduction must be 0.6 percentage points annually.

The private partner undertakes to invest at least $27 million within the first two years, and in subsequent periods, in accordance with the approved five-year investment and development plans. As security for its obligations, the partner will provide a bank guarantee of $5 million for the first two years. Subsequently, the guarantee amount will be either $5 million or 5% of the investment amount under the five-year plan, whichever is greater.

The document also regulates the employment procedure. Employees of the public partner who accept the private partner's offer will be dismissed with full compensation. The private partner is only liable for termination of employment contracts on its own initiative.

The Samarkand Regional Khokimiyat, together with relevant ministries, is obligated to ensure the allocation of the necessary land plots for network expansion and the creation of new assets. The Ministry of Energy, in turn, must assign these plots to the private partner for permanent use for the duration of the project, with a rent equal to the land tax.

The resolution establishes a limited quota for the recruitment of foreign specialists, provided that this does not lead to unjustified dismissals of local personnel. Foreign workers are also obligated to train local personnel.