In Namangan, Chinese minibuses will be manufactured, "Namanganskaya pravda" writes.

Local "Foton Dustlik Servis" and Chinese "Foton Motor" are engaged in production. According to the head of "Foton Dustlik Servis" Vakhid Khamidov the launch of first cars is scheduled for September this year.

Mr. Khamidov notes that originally it was planned to start production in 2018, but "for objective reasons, it was necessary to reconsider the project start dates".

"For us, the good news was that the presidential decree included our project in the Investment Program for 2019. Production preparation will begin soon. According to the plan, by Independence Day - September 2019, we will start producing cars," Khamidov said.

51% of the plant’s share belongs to Uzbekistan, 49% - to China. The Chinese partner Urumqi Xin Xi Xin Sheng International Trading Co., LTD is investing $14 million in the project.

The estimated capacity of the plant is from 500 to 1000 cars per month.

"Under the original contract with Foton Motor, we obtained a license to manufacture four types of medium trucks of the Chinese company. Later, one more model will be added to them - the Foton View CS2 Supporter minivan. They will be produced at the new plant in Pop district. All our products will be released under the brand UzFoton," the publication quotes from Khamidov.