Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Navoi industrial zone, where he reviewed products manufactured under the Universal Filter brand.

This enterprise produces over 600 types of products, including air and oil filters for vehicles, as well as equipment for the metallurgical, oil and gas, and chemical industries. Founded in 2007, the entrepreneur initially focused on building materials and invested US$20 million in projects from 2020 to 2023. Today, the three-hectare site houses six production facilities featuring modern technology imported from Russia, China, and Slovakia.

The company’s annual turnover, previously just 1 billion soums, is expected to reach 200 billion soums this year, providing stable employment for 250 people. The president examined the production processes and the quality of products being manufactured.

Uzbekistan currently has over 3,000 industrial enterprises that impact air quality, yet most dust and gas filtration systems are outdated. Previously dependent on imports, this sector now has access to competitive, locally produced equipment, improving environmental management. In the first nine months of this year, dust and gas filtration equipment has been updated at over 100 facilities.

Universal Filter exports to Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan, with expected exports of US$1 million by year-end. Plans are in place to further expand export markets.

During the visit, industrial goods produced in Navoi, including components for various sectors, were also displayed. The president emphasized the importance of developing hydropower in the country and directed local companies to increase their participation in constructing small and micro hydropower plants, as well as manufacturing their components. This initiative aims to reduce regional unemployment through localization projects for major enterprises like the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine.