President Mirziyoyev proposes reopening Zarafshan Airport

The Navoi region, a hub for resources and energy production, holds approximately 20% of Uzbekistan’s identified mineral reserves and generates around 15 billion kWh of electricity annually. New power plants with a capacity of 5.2 GW are also slated for operation in the coming years, further reinforcing the region's role in the national energy supply.

Over the past seven years, Navoi has seen an influx of investment totaling $8 billion, which has funded approximately 6,500 projects, including 577 launched this year alone. This economic activity has driven the region’s gross regional product (GRP) to 82 trillion UZS, positioning Navoi as the third-largest economy in the country.

The president outlined ambitious plans for further economic expansion, setting a target to attract an additional $3.7 billion in investment. This infusion aims to establish 600 new enterprises, creating an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 jobs across the region.

The potential for mining-related industries was a focal point of the meeting, with Mirziyoyev highlighting the availability of 100 untapped deposits of minerals such as kaolin, phosphorite, marble, and granite. To encourage investor interest, the president emphasized the need for geological analyses and project readiness, providing prospective businesses with valuable insights into the resource-rich region.

As a key logistical hub, Navoi handles 16% of Uzbekistan’s cargo traffic, benefitting from multiple major transport routes. With the recent opening of the Kungrad-Beyneu road through Karakalpakstan, Navoi’s strategic position in Uzbekistan’s transport network is expected to grow further.

To improve connectivity within the region, especially for Zarafshan, Tamdy, and Uchkuduk districts, where 200,000 residents currently live, the president proposed reopening Zarafshan Airport. Originally built in the 1980s, the airport has been inactive but is now considered crucial for supporting Zarafshan’s growth, with the town’s population expected to reach 100,000 within the next two to three years. Additionally, the government plans to allocate 2,000 hectares of land in the neighboring Tamdy district to facilitate Zarafshan’s development.

The president also encouraged local businesses to participate in constructing small hydropower plants. This initiative, along with the development of commercial and service areas along canal banks under the “Navoi Experience,” aims to stimulate sustainable regional growth and attract more private sector involvement.

These comprehensive plans reflect Uzbekistan’s broader agenda of promoting regional economic growth, attracting investment, and enhancing the nation’s connectivity and infrastructure.