Due to the financial and economic crisis Uzbekistan stopped privatization of strategic energy objects, a source from Uzbek State Property Committee told Interfax.

It is unlikely to expect competitve bids on buying energy assets in crisis, he stated.

"We are not refusing to attract foreign investors into energy sector, but it is not the best time for it right now," he stated, noting that in future the process of privatization will be launched again.

Uzbekistan attempted to sell a number of assets to foreign investors, including the government stake in OJSC "Tashkent thermal power plant" and OSJC "Syrdarya thermal power plant" - the largest thermal power station in Central Asia.

Tenders were prolonged several times and were acknowledged as failed. Russian JSC "Inter RAO UES" showed interest in privatization of "Syrdarya thermal power plant."