Uzbekistan has launched a new investment cycle in the Bukhara region, bringing together 145 projects with a combined value of $7.8 billion. The portfolio covers petrochemicals, textiles, construction materials, machinery, digital technologies and energy — sectors that could reshape the region’s industrial base and create new opportunities for international suppliers, contractors and investors.
Implementation has already begun on 55 initiatives worth more than $654 million, while construction has started under another 90 projects valued at $7.1 billion. Local businesses are being joined by international financial institutions and investors from the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, Vietnam, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Russia and India.
Energy infrastructure becomes a regional priority
Renewable energy is emerging as one of Bukhara’s most active investment areas. Around $2 billion has reportedly been attracted to the sector over the past two years. Wind and solar facilities with a combined capacity of 1,750 MW have been commissioned, alongside energy-storage systems with a capacity of 63 MW and more than 600 kilometres of main electricity networks.
Construction is continuing in Gijduvan district on the 300 MW Bosh-2 wind power plant with the participation of Saudi Arabia’s Acwa. In Jondor and Peshku districts, Japan’s Toyota and China’s Sinoma are developing additional renewable-energy facilities with a combined capacity of up to 1,000 MW.
A separate $165 million project is planned in Kagan district to generate electricity from household waste in cooperation with Chinese partners. Meanwhile, a $150 million project supported by German company Leman is expected to improve the reliability of pumping stations serving the Amu-Bukhara canal.
Textile clusters target higher-value production
Bukhara is also expanding textile clusters in the city and in Romitan district, building on the region’s established cotton base. Chinese investors are prepared to commit $400 million to the Romitan project. International partners have also proposed developing 9,000 hectares of land, with the stated aim of increasing the share of higher-value products to 65% and raising exports by $100 million.
Tourism and urban infrastructure move up the agenda
Alongside industrial investment, the region is preparing for a broader expansion of tourism and hospitality. Plans include the Baki Bukhoro cultural and ethnographic park, new hotels and entertainment facilities, as well as properties operating under the international Indigo, Hilton and Holiday Inn brands.
Water infrastructure is another major focus. Projects worth approximately $633 million are being implemented with international organisations and are expected to give 781,000 people access to drinking water for the first time. Road construction and modernisation will require a further investment of about $565 million.
The authorities are also preparing Bukhara to host major international events, including high-level meetings and summits involving foreign delegations. A new $300 million airport is under construction, together with a 23.5-kilometre road linking it to the city. Local authorities have been instructed to improve railway-station areas, parking, lighting, public transport and service standards.
Urban greening plans are being adapted to Bukhara’s climate. Alongside tree planting, the region is expected to develop irrigation and drainage systems needed to maintain new green areas. Current urban and tourism projects also include a congress hall, modern hotels, restoration of the Koshmadrasah architectural ensemble and city-planning developments being carried out with Vietnamese partners.
For international companies in furniture, construction, interior and exterior manufacturing, trade, design and architecture, Bukhara’s investment programme signals expanding demand for industrial equipment, building materials, hospitality fit-outs, public-space solutions, infrastructure services and energy-efficient technologies. The scale of airport, hotel, tourism, textile and utility projects creates market-entry opportunities, although success will depend on the pace of construction, the reliability of infrastructure and the practical implementation of the announced initiatives.
