Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan plans to establish domestic production of sugar substitutes, according to a decree signed by the president on 19 August.

The Cabinet of Ministers, together with relevant ministries, has been instructed to prepare by November a draft presidential resolution outlining measures to localize the production of sugar substitutes. The document will provide for state support to enterprises producing sugar substitutes and enriching food products with similar components. This support will be implemented through grants, participation in innovation programs, and provision of preferential loans.

Additionally, companies that purchase carbonated, energy, and tonic drinks containing sugar or other sweeteners and flavorings for domestic sale and export them abroad will be granted the right to a refund of excise taxes. These refunds will be financed from excise tax revenues.

In August, Uzbekistan held discussions with the Chinese company Xinjiang Huijia Biotechnology on developing joint projects in agribusiness and biotechnology, including the cultivation of stevia—the raw material for producing natural sugar substitutes for the healthy food market.