ROX Group plans to invest $4.5 billion in urban development projects in Uzbekistan

From January to September 2026, Uzbekistan attracted foreign investments and loans totaling $44.3 billion. During this period, 106 major projects worth $3.8 billion were launched, creating 13,800 jobs.

This data was presented by the Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, in response to an inquiry from a parliamentary investigation by the Oliy Majlis legislative body. This investigation concerned monitoring the implementation of projects with foreign investment in various regions, assessing their effectiveness, and improving interaction with investors.

According to the submitted response, a digital system is used to monitor investment projects and promptly identify emerging issues. Steps are also being taken to improve the management of special economic zones and enhance the efficiency of foreign loans guaranteed by the state.

As part of efforts to improve the legal framework regulating special economic zones, a revised draft law titled 'On Special Economic Zones' has been prepared. Furthermore, support measures for exporters are gradually being brought into compliance with Uzbekistan's international trade obligations.

During the review of the response, deputies emphasized that the effectiveness of investment activity should be assessed not only by the volume of funds attracted but also by the creation of added value, ensuring sustainable employment, developing cooperation with local enterprises, and impacting public welfare. They proposed selecting projects with high economic returns based on the potential and specialization of individual regions, strengthening production ties with local businesses, and ensuring that investment initiatives yield concrete results.

The deputies noted that parliamentary oversight in this area will help assess compliance with legislation, identify existing problems, and increase the efficiency of responsible state bodies. Following the review of the response to the parliamentary request, the Legislative Chamber adopted a corresponding decision.

A $1.5 billion project is being considered in Uzbekistan aimed at producing new polymers and petrochemical products using naphtha obtained at the Uzbekistan GTL plant in the Kashkadarya region.

Details of this project were presented at a meeting on regional socio-economic development, chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, according to the president's press service. This project plans to utilize 430,000 tons of naphtha produced at the plant.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan GTL has prepared three major projects totaling $300 million. These GTL-related initiatives are part of the plans to advance the industrial sector of Kashkadarya to a new level of development.

Mirziyoyev called for the use of the region's natural gas, electricity, and mineral resources to generate income through job creation and the production of higher value-added goods. In addition to GTL-related projects, the expansion of the Dekhkanabad Potash Plant capacity from 365,000 tons to 600,000 tons is being discussed.

More than 30 proposals for small-tonnage chemical sector projects have also been prepared, with a total value of $830 million. The regional manager and other officials have been instructed to develop a three-year plan covering projects worth $20 billion and creating 50,000 jobs. Special attention will be paid to forming supply and production chains around large enterprises during the development of Kashkadarya's industry.

Industrial output in the Kashkadarya region increased by 8.4% in the first nine months of the current year, and the region ranked seventh in the country for industrial output per capita.

The Uzbekistan GTL plant is located in the Kashkadarya region near the Shurtan Gas Chemical Complex. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev opened this plant in December 2021. It uses the technology of converting natural gas into liquid petroleum products (GTL).

The plant has a design capacity of 3.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. Its annual production capacity includes 724,000 tons of diesel fuel, 307,000 tons of aviation kerosene, 437,000 tons of naphtha, and 53,000 tons of liquefied gas. The construction cost of the plant was $3.42 billion, of which about $2.3 billion was financed through external loans guaranteed by the state.

The plant's creditors include financial institutions from China, South Korea, Russia, and other countries. According to information on the official Uzbekistan GTL website, the outstanding principal debt of the plant as of June 16, 2026, was $838.2 million.

During negotiations in Kabul, Uzbekistan presented a number of projects related to the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial facilities, as well as infrastructure development in Afghanistan. The delegation from Uzbekistan arrived in Kabul to discuss potential cooperation in the fields of construction, housing, and infrastructure development.

The Uzbek side put forward initiatives for building residential and commercial complexes, creating an industrial zone, and establishing a meat processing cluster, according to Dunyo News Agency.

Upon arrival, the delegation met with Nasih Rabbani, Deputy Minister of Urban Development and Housing of Afghanistan, and other ministry representatives. Afghan officials emphasized the friendly relations between the two countries and expressed gratitude to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his support of the Afghan people.

Ministry representatives also stated their readiness to create conditions for the participation of Uzbek companies in major construction and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan.

Details of the proposed initiatives

During discussions, Bobur Elmuradov presented the activities of O’zshaharsozlik LITI and Kommunal LITI, and outlined proposals for implementing joint ventures. Among the proposals was the construction of a residential and commercial complex in Kabul. Furthermore, the Uzbek side proposed developing a modern residential and social complex on a 60-hectare plot near Kabul International Airport.

Other initiatives included projects in the Hayraton industrial zone and the creation of a meat processing cluster in Mazar-i-Sharif. The planned facility is expected to produce high-quality meat products for supply to Uzbekistan.

After concluding the discussions, the parties considered the possibility of opening an O’zshaharsozlik LITI representative office in Kabul. It was also proposed to organize professional training programs for Afghan specialists in the construction industry. Technical meetings are planned in the relevant ministries of Afghanistan for October. It is expected that the Uzbek delegation will familiarize itself with current projects in Kabul, including the 'New Kabul' initiative.