Uzbekistan targets $5 billion in foreign investment for Namangan with focus on IT and industry

During a high-level meeting to review regional reforms, the president set bold targets for 2026, aiming to leverage digital technology, green energy, and industrial expansion to elevate the region’s standing in the Fergana Valley.

According to the presidential press service, since 2018, the region has seen the launch of more than 40,000 enterprises, with industrial output expanding sixfold to reach UZS 40 trillion.

In 2025, gross regional product rose to UZS 85.4 trillion, up 8.2% year on year, while foreign investment reached $3.3 billion and exports totaled $916 million.

Economic growth is targeted at 9.2% in 2026, with industry projected to grow by 9%, services by 16.3%, and agriculture by 6.8%. Foreign investment is expected to reach $5 billion, and exports are forecast at $1.2 billion.

Namangan city, along with the districts of Davlatabad, Yangi Namangan, Namangan, Kasansay, Naryn, and Uychi, is set to be designated as an area “free of unemployment and poverty.”

A new power substation in the Sabzazor area is expected to enable the launch of 15 projects worth $547 million in the “Namangan” free economic zone. Seven projects, valued at $215 million, are already operational.

In Chust district, 24 hectares are to be allocated for a 60 MW green energy project, while a project to produce soft drinks, juices, and baby food is planned in Chartak district.

Plans call for the construction of a modern IT Park building aimed at attracting international IT companies and supporting the development of digital technologies.

An AI laboratory and a startup club are set to be established at Namangan State Technical University, while Davlatabad district is planned to be transformed into a “smart city” with integrated digital services.

Food security was identified as one of the most urgent tasks. Intensive orchards are expected to be established on 2,500 hectares, alongside the development of 8,000 hectares of new land. Additional measures are expected to include expanding orchards and vineyards, planting 1.3 million seedlings, and introducing drip irrigation.

Tourism projects are expected to be developed across the region as part of efforts to position Namangan as a tourism hub in the Fergana Valley.

Infrastructure upgrades are set to include sewerage modernization, new wastewater facilities, and improvements to roads and utilities, alongside social projects in healthcare and education.