Industrial production in Uzbekistan's special economic zones increased by 42.7% in the first nine months of 2025. From Navoi, with its logistics ambitions, to the expansion of trade through Termez.
From industrial parks producing goods for export to logistics hubs connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Uzbekistan's network of special economic zones has become one of the country's main tools for attracting foreign investment and expanding manufacturing capacity.
According to government data, industrial production in the special economic zones reached nearly €3.12 billion in the first nine months of 2025, up 42.7% compared to the same period the previous year. Foreign direct investment inflows are also growing, as authorities boost infrastructure and industrial capacity to meet rising demand from international businesses.
Currently, 31 special economic zones are operational in Uzbekistan, alongside hundreds of smaller industrial sites and technology parks. Demand from international businesses is particularly strong in logistics, export-oriented manufacturing, and regional trade.
“Annual foreign direct investment inflows are growing by about 20-25%,” said Sahib Saifnazarov, head of the Special Economic Zones Department at the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade.
He explained that growing investor interest increases demand for industrial land, transport infrastructure, and energy supplies. At the same time, authorities are promoting renewable energy projects and seeking greater involvement from experienced international management companies.
“Today, the focus is not only on infrastructure but also on green energy,” added Saifnazarov. “Another important aspect is the involvement of foreign companies with experience in managing these zones.”
Navoi expands manufacturing and logistics capacity
Among the country's largest industrial hubs, the Navoi Special Economic Zone has become a major center for manufacturing and logistics.
According to Ma’murjon Murodullayev, deputy director of the zone’s administration, there are currently over 90 projects worth a total of around €2.2 billion, 73 of which are already operational, employing more than 8,000 people.
“Seventy-three projects have already been launched, creating over 8,000 jobs,” he said. “Between 2026 and 2029, another 18 large projects are planned, which should create almost 2,000 additional jobs.”
In 2025, the zone exported products worth nearly €132 million to markets including CIS countries (Commonwealth of Independent States), Europe, and China. Exports are expected to exceed €141 million next year.
Beyond manufacturing, Navoi aims to become a multimodal transport hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. According to Alisher Klichov, director of Navoi International Airport, major infrastructure projects are underway to support increasing cargo volumes and transit traffic.
“Our strategic goal is to create a central Eurasian transit hub in Navoi, capable of competing with major hubs in the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, and the Caucasus,” Klichov said.
Plans include a new cargo terminal, specialized facilities for express shipments, and an aircraft maintenance and painting center, expected to open by 2029.
International manufacturers strengthen presence in the Tashkent region
The special economic zone in the Tashkent region has established itself as one of the top destinations for foreign manufacturers.
According to Eldor Ko’chimov, senior officer of the zone’s administration, 71 foreign companies are currently operating there, with Chinese investors holding the largest share.
“Chinese companies represent the main share, with 31 projects, while 14 projects involve Russian investors,” he explained. “Negotiations are also underway with Japanese and Korean partners.”
Since the zone’s creation in 2012, 119 enterprises worth a total of €1.3 billion have been launched. Another 112 projects worth about $1.2 billion are under construction, expected to create over 11,000 new jobs. Industrial production has reached nearly €870 million, and products made in the zone are exported to almost 30 countries.
Among the investors is Showaib Mirzoi, whose company is developing a beverage production project in Angren.
“Our planned investment is about €112 million, and it is expected to increase further,” he said. “We aim to introduce PET bottle lines, glass lines, CO2 gas production, and plastic packaging plants.”
Mirzoi explained that his company already runs similar operations in Afghanistan but chose Uzbekistan for its industrial development opportunities and growing market.
Termez strengthens trade ties
Further south, the Termez International Trade Center, near the border with Afghanistan, is becoming an increasingly important trading hub.
Inaugurated in August 2024, the center now hosts over 255 entrepreneurs, including 129 Afghan citizens, according to director Mirkhamid Mirpolatov. Over 1,300 jobs have been created.
Businesses from Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan have started operations in the center, while Chinese companies have also begun entering the market.
Mirpolatov emphasized that the center’s location gives businesses direct access to trade routes crossing Afghanistan.
“Our center is in a very favorable position for transporting goods through Afghanistan to other countries,” he said. “Interest from international businesses is growing day by day.”
Among the facility’s users is entrepreneur Shamsiddin Taganov, who exports confectionery products to Afghanistan.
“We mainly export sweets, chocolate, biscuits, and similar products made in Uzbekistan,” he explained. “Logistics centers help us organize deliveries to Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif.”
He added that logistical support and tax incentives have made it easier for local businesses to reach neighboring markets.
