Uzbekistan is committed to international climate protection obligations and will continue to actively implement the latest environmentally friendly technologies in the transport sector, First Deputy Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan Mamanbiy Omarov said at a high-level round table within COP29 on green urban transport, Report informs.
"Uzbekistan, as a party to the Paris Agreement, has increased its commitment to reduce specific greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels, which significantly exceeds initial targets. Progress is already visible in the transport sector, which accounts for 6% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions," said the deputy minister.
He noted that under the national environmental protection concept until 2030 and public transport strategy, diesel transport in the country will be converted to electric and gas-powered.
"These initiatives are already being implemented, and we continue to actively introduce new mechanisms for state financing and digitalization of transit services. We are not limiting ourselves to budget funds but are cooperating with international financial institutions using green credit lines. Additionally, we are engaging entrepreneurs in these processes. Thus, over the past two years, the number of electric buses has increased to 400 units, and electric vehicles to 70 thousand. For this reason, all customs duties on electric bus imports were abolished," said Omarov.
According to the deputy minister, work is also being done to create convenient infrastructure for pedestrians, micro-mobility, and public transport, which will lead to reduced energy consumption.
"For this purpose, transport development master plans have been developed for 10 cities. And by the end of this year, we will complete the development of master plans for 10 more cities. I would like to emphasize that the transport sector plays a crucial role in our pursuit of a sustainable and green future," he emphasized.