Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A panel session on the topic “Investment projects in infrastructure” was held as part of the Tashkent International Investment Forum.

The session was dedicated to the important achievements of Uzbekistan in improving the road, railway and air infrastructure. This area stimulates trade, stimulates the local economy and creates jobs. Participants reviewed six investment projects based on public-private partnerships in the construction of roads, railways and the Urgench airport concession with a total estimated investment of US$18 billion.

The panel discussions also featured the New Tashkent project, approved by the President of Uzbekistan in 2024, which aims to transform 6,000 hectares to create a modern urban space for approximately 1 million residents. The first stage of the ambitious project involves the construction of apartment buildings, schools, kindergartens, a hospital and a clinic.

Participants discussed the main factors of investment attractiveness of infrastructure projects, their impact on the economy of Uzbekistan, as well as related problems and opportunities.

Deputy Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan Jasurbek Choriev spoke about why it is important to invest in the transport system.

“The first is economic growth. Transport infrastructure plays a major role in the economy, connecting business with the market, ensuring the transportation of people and products. Improving infrastructure leads to increased sales, investment, job creation and, of course, economic growth. The second is production efficiency. The transport system reduces prices by making distances closer. This is especially important for Uzbekistan, whose bilateral access to the sea is limited. The third is accessibility. Investment in transport helps towns and villages provide vital services to their residents, creating jobs,” he says.

The Deputy Minister of Transport said that work on the creation of the Tashkent-Andijan toll road is almost completed.

“By the end of June we will complete the feasibility work. The new toll road will help connect Tashkent and other regions with the Fergana Valley. The total length of the project will be 314 km, and its cost will be US$4.65 billion,” said Jasurbek Choriev.

In addition, information was given about the trans-Afghan railway, which has been one of the main targets for a long time.

“The project will help connect three countries - Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The railway plays an important role in the creation of the Eurasian transport corridor. As a result, Central Asian countries will have access to the Indian Ocean port. The railway reduces the delivery time of goods from 35 to 5 days. And the cost of delivery of goods will be reduced by at least 40 percent. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Another important project, of course, is the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. This will be a railway that will play a big role in the development of not only Uzbekistan, but also the entire Central Asia. Basic agreements on the project have already been reached, its cost is about US$5.1 billion, and the length is expected to be 454 km by now,” said the First Deputy Minister of Transport.

In addition, Jasurbek Choriev noted that after the successful implementation of the Samarkand airport project, Urgench airport is also planned to be turned into a public-private partnership project.

During the session, Bakhrom Rizaev announced preliminary data on the “New Tashkent” project. In a city with a population of more than 1 million people, construction of a number of ministries, universities, cultural facilities and social facilities will begin in 2024-2025.