Japan’s Sojitz to build new international airport in Tashkent under $1 billion investment plan

The project, announced on October 2, 2025, aims to expand the capital’s aviation capacity and strengthen the country’s connectivity with global markets. The initiative reflects Uzbekistan’s growing economic engagement with Western nations, as Central Asia becomes increasingly important in the reshaped global trade landscape following the war in Ukraine.

According to official sources, the new airport will accommodate rising passenger and cargo volumes, supporting Uzbekistan’s fast-growing tourism and business sectors. It is expected to serve as a major hub along the Middle Corridor – a strategic trade route linking Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.

The Sojitz investment forms part of the company’s broader regional strategy to deepen its presence in Central Asia, where infrastructure and logistics projects are attracting mounting international interest.

Uzbekistan, for its part, has been intensifying cooperation with Western partners. In September 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a series of major contracts with U.S. companies, including Boeing for new aircraft purchases and American firms for geological exploration projects. These deals are expected to drive industrial growth and further align the country with Western economic and technological standards.

Regional developments also highlight the growing significance of the Middle Corridor. The European Union, for instance, recently allocated $202.5 million in support for Armenia’s socio-economic reforms, part of which is directed toward developing regional connectivity initiatives under the “TRIPP – Trade Route for Peace and Prosperity” framework.

By investing in Tashkent’s new airport, Sojitz seeks to help modernize Uzbekistan’s transport infrastructure and facilitate its integration into global supply chains. Once operational, the airport is expected to become a key node in regional logistics, strengthening Uzbekistan’s position as a bridge between Asia and Europe.

“This project represents a milestone in our cooperation with Uzbekistan and in our shared vision to build sustainable, globally connected infrastructure,” a Sojitz representative said.