China's Leapmotor is exploring plans to launch electric vehicle production in Uzbekistan, signaling a potential boost for the country’s fast-growing industrial and green energy sectors.

The proposal was discussed during high-level talks in Tashkent between Uzbek Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Ilzat Kasimov and Leapmotor Vice President Lei Ming. The meeting focused on preparing a joint project to manufacture EVs locally, The Caspian Post reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade.

Officials highlighted plans to deepen localization, including increasing the share of Uzbek-made components in the final vehicles - a move aimed at strengthening domestic industry and supply chains.

Leapmotor’s strategy goes beyond meeting local demand. The company is also looking to leverage Uzbekistan’s strategic position to expand exports and enter broader international markets. Both sides agreed to move forward to “practical stages of cooperation” to bring the project closer to reality.

In parallel, Kasymov held talks with Chen Zhou, Deputy Director General of the Sovereign Business Department (concessional lending) at the Export-Import Bank of China and Head of the China-Eurasia Economic Cooperation Fund, where discussions focused on accelerating joint investment and financing initiatives.

The developments come amid rapidly expanding economic ties between Uzbekistan and China. Bilateral trade reached $17.8 billion in 2025 and surged by over 53% in the first quarter alone, underscoring deepening cooperation.

Transport and logistics - particularly railway connectivity - remain a key priority, with Uzbekistan positioning itself as a major regional hub linking China and Central Asia.