Uzbekistan is set to develop a modern tourist cluster on the territory of the Aidar-Arnasay lake system in the Jizzakh region, a project recently presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his working visit to the area.
The initiative aims to enhance the region’s recreational facilities, hotel sector, and transport accessibility, as well as create diverse tourist routes. While exact investment volumes and timelines remain unspecified, authorities plan for the cluster to attract over 200,000 foreign and about one million domestic tourists annually. The development will adhere to principles of sustainable and green tourism to preserve the unique natural landscape and protect biodiversity.
The Aidar-Arnasay lake system covers more than 3,000 square kilometers and includes lakes Aidarkul, Arnasay, and Tuzkan. Coupled with neighboring mountains, steppes, and protected flora, this ecosystem holds significant ecological and landscape value, presenting strong potential for eco-tourism and active tourism activities. The tourist cluster will feature facilities such as capsule hotels, a sanatorium utilizing local therapeutic mud, hostels, beach amenities, and leisure zones, all designed to meet international standards similar to renowned resorts along Antalya and Dubai.
This project complements ongoing regional development efforts, including the reconstruction of Zaamin airport, enhancement of recreation areas along major canals, modernization of the Zomin tourist zone, and construction of new roads. These efforts align with a presidential resolution dated December 31, 2024, targeting accelerated socio-economic growth in the Jizzakh region with investment inflows planned up to $2 billion in 2025, export targets of $285 million, and the creation of 168,000 new jobs.
Investment activity remains robust: in the first half of 2025, 200 projects across industry, agriculture, and services attracted $662 million. Additionally, a $150 million household appliance factory is under construction in Zaamin district on an 80-hectare site, aiming to produce one million units annually, create up to 7,000 jobs, and generate $140 million in exports. This factory operates as a branch of the Navoi industrial park.
Over the past eight years, the total foreign investment in Jizzakh has reached $3.7 billion, leading to the establishment of over 4,000 industrial enterprises, with more than 260 foreign-participated companies active in the region.
Implications for international business and the furniture and construction sectors
The creation of a large-scale tourist cluster in Jizzakh offers substantial opportunities for international businesses, particularly within furniture, interior design, construction, architecture, and manufacturing industries. The development requires specialized construction materials, equipment, and design services that meet modern and environmentally sustainable standards. For construction firms, there is potential in building hotels, recreational complexes, and infrastructure supporting the cluster.
Additionally, the anticipated growth in hospitality and tourism will spur demand for furniture and interior fittings, including in capsule hotels and sanatoriums, creating new markets for international furniture brands and suppliers. With the government’s drive for green and sustainable development, companies offering eco-friendly, durable, and design-forward solutions stand to benefit significantly.
Furthermore, ongoing infrastructure improvements and increasing investment inflows underline the region’s favorable business climate. This grounds for long-term partnerships and foreign direct investment, with expanding export prospects and workforce development, serving as a solid foundation for international enterprises planning to enter or expand within Uzbekistan’s emerging Central Asian markets.
