A Tajikistan-based cement producer has announced plans to construct a facility in Surxondaryo, Uzbekistan, in the near future, according to Kazakhstan Newsline.

"The plant will be built at the expense of a private company that produces cement in Tajikistan. We welcome and support the intention of the Tajik private business to invest in the economy of the neighboring state," said Nematullo Hikmatullozoda, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Mr Hikmatullozoda also noted that trade between the two countries is expected to reach US$1bn per year in the future.

A further two plants are expected to be constructed by Chinese investors. The first 1Mta facility will be built in Akhangaran at an investment cost of US$108m, with the second planned to have the same capacity and be built in Akhangaranshifer at a cost of US$100m.