Tashkent and Tianjin seal infrastructure deals to overhaul drainage and sewage systems

Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov raised the proposals during talks with China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) held as part of a working visit by an Uzbek delegation to Tianjin. Transport infrastructure dominated the agenda.

The two sides discussed plans for a circular toll road of around 100 km, as well as a paid expressway linking central Tashkent to the city's planned new international airport. Umurzakov also invited CRCC to consider participating in large-scale urban renewal projects, with discussions touching on city modernization, contemporary urban planning solutions, and environmental standards.

The talks further covered CRCC's potential role in building schools, kindergartens, medical facilities, and other social infrastructure. A waste processing facility – designed for both construction and household waste and built to modern environmental standards – was also on the table.

CRCC representatives indicated their interest in exploring the projects and said they were ready to develop cooperation further, according to the Tashkent city administration.

Water, drainage, and urban infrastructure

Earlier during the visit, the Uzbek delegation met with municipal officials in Tianjin to discuss practical city-to-city exchanges, study Chinese engineering approaches, and assess how they might be applied in Tashkent.

The talks resulted in the signing of cooperation documents covering joint development of sustainable urban infrastructure. The agreements include drainage system improvements, upgrades to water treatment facilities, and the introduction of modern technologies for wastewater management, purification, and water reuse.

Trade ties and investor support 

Umurzakov was also received by Tianjin Mayor Zhang Gong, with discussions focusing on trade and economic ties, a favorable business environment, and Tashkent's investment climate. Bilateral trade between the two cities has grown by 58% in recent years.

A particular emphasis was placed on supporting Chinese investors and providing guidance for joint projects. The Tianjin administration backed the idea of establishing a dedicated coordination hub for Chinese businesses operating in Uzbekistan.

Cooperation with Tianjin Urban Construction on building water treatment, drainage, and irrigation infrastructure in Tashkent was also discussed, with the Chinese side expressing its readiness to offer comprehensive support.