The joint venture Asia Trans Gas, established in 2008 through a cooperation agreement between Uzbekistan and China, has secured a stable position in Central Asia’s energy architecture in recent years.

The company operates the Uzbek section of an international main gas pipeline and plays a key role in natural gas transit, connecting regional markets and supporting major cross-border projects. Its founders include JSC Uzbekneftegaz and Trans-Asia Gas Pipeline Company Limited (TAPLINE), making the enterprise a leading example of bilateral economic cooperation between Tashkent and Beijing.

Asia Trans Gas’s gas transportation infrastructure runs through Kashkadarya, Bukhara, and Navoi regions – areas where the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects is particularly evident. Its operations have created approximately 600 permanent jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs, becoming an essential contributor to economic stability for local communities. The financial impact is reflected not only in household incomes, but also in the development of a long-term labor market around energy infrastructure.

Ecology as Part of the Operational Strategy

In recent years, Asia Trans Gas has been increasingly integrating environmental measures into its day-to-day operations. Along the gas pipeline route, the company uses more than 220,000 square meters of straw structures to stabilize shifting sands, reducing erosion and dust formation. Combined with planting native species, this has diminished dust levels by more than 30 percent, which is particularly important in arid areas.

More than 30,000 trees and shrubs adapted to the region’s climatic conditions have been planted in restored areas. These plantings absorb about 370 tons of carbon annually, forming a protective green belt around the infrastructure. At the same time, efforts are underway to improve energy efficiency: optimizing compressor units has enabled savings of around 15 million cubic meters of gas per year and an additional 30 million cubic meters of throughput, reducing CO₂ emissions.

Governance, Compliance, and Safety

Asia Trans Gas places strong emphasis on institutional development and risk management. The company has established a management system aligned with international standards, with a strong focus on compliance, occupational health and safety, and environmental protection. This approach received external recognition in 2025, when the company was awarded the TÜV International Certification “Gold Certificate” for compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards.

It should be particularly noted that Asia Trans Gas was the first company in Uzbekistan to obtain ISO 37301 certification, officially confirming that its compliance management system meets global standards.

The company has implemented a comprehensive set of anti-corruption measures: more than 20 internal regulatory documents have been developed, over 3,000 job descriptions have been analyzed, and a corruption risk map with risk-level classification has been compiled. An anti-corruption program has been approved to create a transparent risk management system. All contracts with counterparties include anti-corruption clauses (100 percent), and clear sanctions for violations have been established, including the possibility of contract termination. An appeal to partners calling for the implementation of anti-corruption systems and staff training has been published on the company’s website.

Safety remains a key priority. In 2025, the company implemented the Intensive 30-Day Fire Safety program to reduce fire risks at production facilities. As a result of systematic efforts, ATG reports achieving the goals of the “three zeros” concept – zero fatalities, zero lost-time injuries, and zero recordable injuries per million kilometers of transportation.

International Cooperation and Human Capital Development

The company actively participates in international industry initiatives, viewing them as a tool for exchanging best practices and enhancing professional qualifications. In October, Bukhara hosted the international CNPC – Belt and Road competition, where more than 80 specialists from six African and Asian countries demonstrated their expertise in oil and gas infrastructure. Representatives of CNPC separately noted the event’s high level of organization.

The company places particular emphasis on the professional growth and development of its employees. Throughout the year, they undergo training and advanced professional development. These programs are designed to build a sustainable talent pool and adapt to the industry’s evolving technological and environmental requirements.

Social Initiatives

Asia Trans Gas’s social projects are primarily focused on education and support for vulnerable groups. Among recent initiatives is the transfer of assistive educational equipment for children with visual impairments to the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In addition, as part of its social programs, the company replenished the book collections of mahalla libraries under the “Mahalla Kutubkhonasi” initiative, equipped a classroom at Bukhara State Technical University, and provided equipment for a multimedia studio at the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan.

Overall, Asia Trans Gas’s activities reflect a commitment to balanced development, combining economic growth, environmental responsibility, and institutional strengthening within a major international infrastructure project. By implementing the Belt and Road Initiative and following the priorities of the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, the company demonstrates how the energy sector can consistently integrate principles of sustainable development and international governance standards into daily practice, contributing to the development of the country and the region as a whole.

UzA