President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inaugurated the construction of three infrastructure projects in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan on May 30: a gas-chemical complex, a solar power plant, and an international airport.
Over the past five years, Uzbekistan's processing industry has expanded by 1.4 times, with a notable increase in the Bukhara region where the industry has grown by 1.6 times, reaching a value of UZS 30 trillion ($2.4 bn). This growth is supported by 41 foreign investments worth $7 bn and an equal number of domestic projects.
Gas-Chemical Complex in Karakol
The gas-chemical complex, to be constructed in the Karakol free economic zone, represents a technological advancement for Uzbekistan. This facility will utilize the "methanol to olefins" (MTO) technology, making it the first of its kind in the country.
The complex will process 1.3 bn cubic meters of natural gas and 430,000 tons of naphtha annually, producing 1.1 mn tons of high-demand polymer products. These products are expected to generate five times the added value compared to the price of gas. The plant will create 2,000 jobs directly, and stimulate the creation of an additional 4,000 jobs in related industries such as construction, textiles, leather-shoes, automobile, and electrical engineering.
Solar Power Plant by Masdar
In response to the increasing demand for electricity, which grows by an average of 6% annually, Uzbekistan is focusing on developing its renewable energy sector. A new 250-megawatt solar power plant will be built by Masdar, a company from the United Arab Emirates. The plant, situated on 648 hectares in the Olot district, is scheduled to connect to the national power grid by December 2025.
New International Airport in Bukhara
Reflecting Uzbekistan's policy of openness and the resulting increase in international relations, a new international airport will be constructed in Bukhara district. The project, worth $226 mn, aims to accommodate the rising number of tourists and improve service quality for both passengers and aircraft. The new airport will have the capacity to serve 1,200 passengers per hour and is expected to attract new international airlines.
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