Japanese trading and investment giant Sojitz Corporation has confirmed its intention to channel $200 million into the development of Tashkent’s ambitious new international airport project. The commitment was announced by company president Kosuke Uemura during an interview with O’zbekiston 24 television channel, marking a significant milestone in Japan-Uzbekistan economic cooperation.
“We are working together with colleagues on the project of the new international airport,” Uemura stated, outlining the corporation’s expanding footprint in Central Asia’s largest economy.
Strategic Infrastructure Development
The new airport initiative addresses Uzbekistan’s rapidly growing aviation sector demands. With passenger traffic projected to reach 15 million by 2030, the current Tashkent airport faces critical capacity constraints. Located within the city limits, the existing facility cannot undergo the necessary expansion to meet future requirements.
Uzbekistan’s Transport Ministry has set an ambitious timeline, targeting the new airport’s operational launch before 2030. The urgency stems from economic projections showing potential losses of $8.6 billion to GDP if the project experiences delays, potentially depriving Uzbekistan of its aspirations to become Central Asia’s aviation hub.
The planned facility will initially handle up to 20 million passengers annually, with operational capacity exceeding 40 takeoffs and landings per hour while accommodating 169 aircraft simultaneously. The new airport will be strategically positioned 17 kilometers south of the existing facility in Tashkent Region, near the existing Tashkent-Samarkand highway and future highway route.
Expanding Japanese Presence
Sojitz’s airport investment represents part of a broader engagement strategy in Uzbekistan. The corporation established its Tashkent representative office in July 2024, significantly accelerating its regional activities. Beyond transportation infrastructure, the company is advancing a $300 million medical center project in Samarkand and developing wind energy projects in Navoi Region.
Recent developments include a comprehensive roadmap signed with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, encompassing collaborative ventures across energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and other strategic sectors. The corporation’s total investment portfolio in Uzbekistan is projected to reach $1 billion across various projects valued at $5 billion.
This infrastructure investment opens substantial opportunities for international companies operating in construction, logistics, and related sectors. The new airport project will likely generate significant demand for sophisticated building materials, specialized construction equipment, and modern interior solutions throughout its development phases. For furniture and interior design companies, the project presents compelling prospects for supplying terminal facilities, office spaces, and hospitality areas within the airport complex.
The broader implications extend beyond immediate construction opportunities. A modern international airport enhances Uzbekistan’s connectivity with global markets, potentially facilitating increased trade flows and business travel. This improved accessibility could benefit international manufacturers and suppliers seeking to establish or expand their presence in Central Asian markets, while also creating new logistics and distribution possibilities for companies serving the region’s growing economy. The strategic location near existing transport corridors positions the airport as a potential gateway for expanded regional trade networks.
