China is stepping up its presence in Central Asia through a new package of investment and export agreements with Tashkent, setting the stage for a large scale transformation of Uzbekistan’s capital city. The forum, held with the participation of the Tashkent city administration, resulted in investment projects worth 3 billion 350 million dollars and export contracts totaling 156 million dollars, focused on infrastructure, construction, transport and modern industry.
Urban transformation financed through EPC plus F model
The core ambition behind the agreements is clear — to make Tashkent more comfortable, modern and safe for residents and visitors, while building a stronger economic base for the city. Priorities include upgrading urban infrastructure, improving the transport system, developing public spaces, introducing smarter parking solutions and launching new ecological and engineering projects.
A key innovation is the financing mechanism. The projects are planned under the EPC plus F model, where Chinese partners provide engineering, procurement, construction and financing. Crucially, this will be done without using the state budget or state guarantees. Payments will be made gradually over the long term, from new revenue streams generated for the city budget by the very projects being built — turning infrastructure spending into an investment that can pay for itself over time.
New momentum for Tashkent city infrastructure
The signed agreements cover a broad range of urban development initiatives that will reshape how Tashkent looks and functions. Drainage, irrigation and storm water management systems will be developed under a 400 million dollar program, addressing one of the city’s critical infrastructure needs and reducing flood risk during heavy rains.
Another 100 million dollars is allocated for the creation of modern branded streets operating in a twenty four seven format. These areas are expected to become new focal points for retail, hospitality, design and nightlife, giving Tashkent a more international urban feel and expanding opportunities for service and creative businesses.
Residential construction remains at the heart of the city’s renewal agenda. A 500 million dollar program will deliver modern multi storey housing complexes in renovation zones, combining living space with social and everyday services. This opens the door for contemporary architectural solutions and higher quality interior and exterior finishes.
Transport infrastructure receives a strong boost as well. The development of Bus Rapid Transit corridors, overpasses and road infrastructure based on the EPC plus F model is valued at 1 billion dollars. In parallel, another 1 billion dollars will support joint investment projects in transport and social infrastructure, from roads and public transport hubs to community facilities.
Industrial zone Yangi Avlod becomes high tech hub
Beyond urban upgrades, the forum placed special emphasis on the development of the Yangi Avlod special industrial zone, which is set to become one of Tashkent’s key manufacturing and technology platforms. Following meetings with Chinese technology and industrial companies Jwise, Zhongke Honghu, CAS Cloud and UMGG, investment cooperation agreements worth 130 million dollars were signed.
These projects aim to expand the production, technological and business infrastructure of the zone, introduce modern solutions for managing manufacturing processes and scale up high tech initiatives in Tashkent. The industrial portfolio covers several promising directions that are directly relevant for construction and urban development value chains.
Production of decorative stone will be launched with investments of 150 million dollars, supporting demand from the construction sector, façade finishing and landscape architecture. A 50 million dollar project will establish manufacturing of smart equipment for waste sorting, integrating environmental technology into the city’s waste management system and creating demand for industrial automation and machinery.
Another 150 million dollars will go into ceramic production, which is critical for supplying tiles, sanitary ware and other finishing materials to both residential and commercial projects. Together, these initiatives strengthen Tashkent’s local manufacturing base and reduce dependence on imported materials, while opening opportunities for collaboration with foreign suppliers of technology, design and components.
Export potential strengthened through new contracts
The forum was not only about investment inflows — it also delivered new export deals that will support the industrial and creative sectors of Tashkent. Three contracts for jewelry exports were signed for a total of 150 million dollars, reflecting the growing capabilities of local manufacturers in high value added consumer goods and design intensive products.
Uzbek producers also secured a 5 million dollar contract for cotton yarn exports and a 1 million dollar agreement for silver concentrate supplies. While more modest in scale, these deals contribute to diversifying the export basket of Tashkent based companies and help integrate local producers more tightly into global supply chains.
In aggregate, the combination of investment projects and export contracts is expected to create new jobs, accelerate the modernization of urban infrastructure, improve the comfort and safety of the city environment and strengthen the capital’s export potential. It also supports the introduction of modern technological and environmental solutions across multiple sectors.
Why this matters for international furniture and construction businesses
For international companies in furniture, construction, interiors, exteriors, architecture and design, these developments signal that Tashkent is entering a new phase of dynamic growth. Large scale housing and infrastructure projects will require a wide range of building materials, interior solutions, outdoor furnishings, lighting, landscaping, urban furniture and wayfinding systems. The creation of branded streets and new public spaces will generate demand for high quality retail and hospitality fit outs, innovative design concepts and durable urban equipment.
The industrial expansion in the Yangi Avlod zone opens opportunities for joint ventures in manufacturing decorative stone, ceramics and environmental equipment, as well as for technology transfer and collaboration in production management systems. Foreign brands can position themselves as suppliers of advanced machinery, surface materials, eco friendly solutions and design expertise, or explore local assembly options for regional distribution.
Finally, the use of the EPC plus F model and the focus on long term, revenue backed financing mechanisms demonstrate that Tashkent is experimenting with investor friendly frameworks to accelerate urban and industrial development. This combination of ambitious city planning, growing industrial capacity and openness to foreign partnerships makes the capital — and more broadly Uzbekistan’s market — increasingly attractive for international players seeking to expand their presence in Central Asia’s construction, interiors and design sectors.
