Uzbekistan Announces $540 Mln Investment Programme for Jizzakh

Uzbekistan has outlined plans for $540 mln worth of new projects in the Jizzakh Special Economic Zone, along with the construction of a substation and modern treatment facilities. The programme was presented during an extraordinary session of the regional Kengash attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The region will expand its automotive sector and build supporting industries around it. Ongoing initiatives in tungsten, gold, lead and uranium extraction will continue. To ensure stable energy supply, 200 MW of capacity will be created this year with an additional 300 MW scheduled for next year. A further 150 small hydropower stations with a combined output of 30 MW will be introduced.

In tourism, Bakhmal and Zaamin will be linked into a single tourist route. Repair work will begin on 158 km of road between the districts and Bakhmal will receive official tourist zone status. Plans also include modernisation of the Arnasay airport and the construction of a railway line to the Aydar-Arnasay lake system.

Agriculture will receive fresh support with 110,000 hectares of pasture and rain-fed land brought into use. Potato farmers will be granted preferential loans and cost compensation while imported machinery will be exempt from duties. Orchard growers in Bakhmal will qualify for extra subsidies and Zaamin will host a new large-scale poultry plant.

Urban development is also set for expansion. Jizzakh city and the Sharaf Rashidov district will prepare a joint master plan. The city will see the construction of a bypass road and a new bridge. Around 10 trln soums ($842 mln) will be allocated to support entrepreneurship and strengthen local infrastructure.