Toll roads will be built on “Tashkent-Samarkand” and “Tashkent-Andijan” routes – Mirziyoyev

Toll highways along the routes "Tashkent-Samarkand" and "Tashkent-Andijan" and new high-speed railways connecting "Tashkent-Samarkand" and "Samarkand-Navoi-Bukhara" will be constructed. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced this during the opening session of the 9th annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) held today, September 25, in Samarkand.

The modernization of six international airports across the country will be carried out through public-private partnerships. Additionally, over the next five years, the management of electricity, water, and gas distribution networks will be handed over to private operators. Notably, more than 50 prestigious foreign companies have expressed interest in the tender for managing the electric grid in the Samarkand region.

"We are also constructing over 100,000 housing units annually. Significant projects have been undertaken to build 'New Uzbekistan' towns in Tashkent, Samarkand, Namangan, and Andijan, as well as in the centers of other regions. For instance, in collaboration with the AIIB, we have initiated $200 million projects for the development of medium-sized cities and $130 million projects for rural infrastructure improvements, and we will continue to expand these initiatives," stated President Mirziyoyev.

The main theme of the summit is "Creation of Sustainable Infrastructure for All," and the agenda covers global economic and financial issues, strategic programs, and plans for infrastructure development across Asia and other regions of the world.

In line with the forum's focus, Mirziyoyev highlighted Uzbekistan's extensive experience in collaborating with international financial organizations on sustainable infrastructure development.

The country has adopted a public-private partnership program worth $30 billion, to be executed by 2030. Key projects include the construction of the Tashkent-Samarkand and Tashkent-Andijan toll highways, the high-speed railway linking Tashkent-Samarkand-Navoi-Bukhara, and the modernization of six international airports, among others.

Mirziyoyev also underscored Uzbekistan's collaboration with the AIIB in developing medium-sized cities and improving rural infrastructure.

Another top priority is the rapid expansion of the "green" economy, with a target to increase Uzbekistan's share of renewable energy to 40% by 2030. Upcoming projects include the construction of solar, wind, and hydropower plants, as well as infrastructure and energy networks.

The establishment of large-scale "green" data centers and the creation of a market for "green" certificates, driven by renewable energy sources, are also planned. Mirziyoyev stressed the vision to turn Central Asia into a leading exporter of "green" energy, with the Trans-Caspian Energy Bridge being a key project. Additionally, the President proposed a regional "green" energy development program in cooperation with the AIIB.

The need for large regional infrastructure projects was also highlighted, with the "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" railway serving as a prime example. Mirziyoyev noted the growing concerns over food security and water shortages in Central Asia and proposed, in cooperation with the AIIB, the establishment of a regional center focused on the widespread implementation of water-saving technologies.

President Mirziyoyev praised the AIIB's significant contribution to achieving Uzbekistan's sustainable development goals. The current portfolio of joint projects, covering infrastructure, energy, transport, water supply, and private sector support, exceeds $3 billion. An agreement has been reached to implement an updated program valued at $4 billion.

"In the coming days, the Bank's leadership will face the critical task of identifying solutions to significant global and regional challenges using modern approaches while discussing new projects and programs. The decisions you make will directly impact the daily lives of more than 6 billion people living in the Bank's member countries," concluded President Mirziyoyev.

He closed his speech by wishing the summit success.