Uzbekistan set to continue privatization efforts

Uzbekistan set to continue privatization efforts

The government of Uzbekistan plans to embark on an ambitious privatization program in 2005-2006 that will include 746 strategic enterprises. Among the strategic enterprises designated for privatization are the country's largest steel production plant (Uzmetkombinat), gas company (Uzbekneftegaz), power company (Uzbekenergo), telephone company (Uzbektelecom), and railway company (Uzbekiston Temir Yullari). Approximately 2'250 facilities and companies in total will be part of the privatization program. 1'385 of the enterprises will be sold entirely. The country privatized 1'800 companies in 2004. Russian steelmaker Severstal is reportedly interested in Uzmetkombinat. The government's initial aim is to privatize only one third of the company.