Uzbekistan’s Surkhoncementinvest has commissioned the first stage of its cement plant in Jarkurgan district, Surkhandarya. When the facility reaches its full capacity, it is expected to produce 1.1Mta of cement and export 0.75Mta of this product.

"Surkhandarya region has enormous economic opportunities. There are many underground wealth, there are almost all the elements of the periodic table. We must effectively use this for the benefit of our people", said Shavkat Mirziyoyev, president of the country, who was at the proceedings.

The project represents an investment of around US$144m. In the future, there are plans to begin production of dry construction mixtures, hydrated lime and reinforced concrete products with a further investment of over US$12m.