On October 11, Uzbekistan Railways and Czech Škoda Group signed a purchase contract for 30 electric trains worth of 320 million euros. The signing ceremony as part of the Uzbek-Czech Business Forum was attended by the Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and the Minister of Transport Ilkhom Mahkamov.

The Kurier Kolejowy website, with reference to Škoda Group, reported that the signed contract is the largest ever won by a Czech company in Uzbekistan.

Production of four-car trains for broad-gauge railways (1520 mm) will begin next year. Main parts will be manufactured at the plant in Ostrava, while some parts of cars will be assembled in Uzbekistan, the statement said.

The cars will be partially low-floor, equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as internal and external CCTV systems. The company produces similar trains for railway operators in Latvia and Estonia.

The deal is being financed by Czech banks with the support of the Czech export insurance company EGAP.

Abdulla Aripov called the contract a revolutionary step for the railways of Uzbekistan.

“This collaboration is just the beginning of a promising partnership. We recognize the enormous potential that has in Uzbekistan,” he said.

“The fact that we were chosen as a train supplier to Uzbekistan is not only proof of the high quality of our equipment, but also a significant step towards strengthening our international partnership,” said Region Central East President at Škoda Group  Zdeněk Svata.

Cooperation between the two countries in the field of transport was discussed during the visit of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala to Tashkent in April. Then it was reported that Škoda Transportation had bid entries in a tender for 34 modern trains supply to Uzbekistan.

According to the press service of the government of Uzbekistan, during the visit to the Czech Republic, investment and trade deals worth total of over 800 million euros were signed.