Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Accelerate Construction of Petrochemical Plant

The construction of a major petrochemical facility in the Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan, which commenced in the autumn of 2025, is now being expedited. High-level discussions between the two nations have focused on reviewing the progress of ongoing work and setting clear objectives for the swift finalization of the project's technical and economic justification (TEO).

The plant is designed to produce Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB), a critical raw material for manufacturing detergents and household chemicals. Establishing local production will significantly reduce both countries' reliance on imports and create substantial export potential for Central Asia.

This initiative forms a core part of a broader package of joint projects valued at $1.2 billion, which was launched by the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in November 2025. The petrochemical complex is considered a cornerstone investment within this strategic partnership.

In related news, Kazakhstan must now seek a new partner for another significant industrial project. Russian company Tatneft has withdrawn from the "Butadiene" project, leaving Kazakhstan to find an alternative investor for the construction of a large-scale plant in the Atyrau region.