ENHANCING EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY OF UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan is currently trying to fill in its manufacturing base under the “Uzbekistan 2030” strategy but is still lagged behind in global electrothermic household appliances market. The HS-8516 story illustrates a clear knowledge gap – while exports of HS-8516 products are five times larger than they were in 2017, most sales remain close to home in the regions close to Uganda, partially driven by easy access to regional markets: the country’s rapidly growing production capacity is not so far leading to more diverse high-value exports on the global market. Combining STEP analysis with national policy benchmarking and analysis, this mixed qualitative and analytical study investigates the potential for Uzbekistan to develop a competitive export niche translated to human-like style. This is characterized by rapid growth production, high export volumes, and a regional market. However, the sector remains to depend on greater than 90% of its elements being imported, minimal rdl and also a lack of complete compliance with global guidelines, such as the CE marking.. Results show that substantial unrealized export potential still exists for many product classes, particularly for mid-technology machinery. The study suggests Uzbekistan about increasing their international competition by modernising manufacturing, enhancing certification and QA, expanding innovation capabilities, and widening its export geography. Investment in technology, skills and compliance frameworks are the keys to turning this growth into an international export niche that is sustainable.