Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Aziz Abdukhakimov, has clarified that the government has not yet received official documentation for the proposed Sea Breeze Uzbekistan tourist complex to be built on the banks of the Charvak reservoir. Speaking at a press conference in Tashkent, the minister emphasized that no decision can be made without first reviewing the project plans.
“The project has only been discussed verbally. We haven’t seen any official documents yet,” Abdukhakimov said. “That’s why we asked the developer to submit the proposal. Once we receive it, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Water Resources, and other relevant institutions can provide feedback or raise objections. But until we see a document, it’s premature to say ‘no’.”
He further assured that once the plans are submitted, the government will open the proposal to public discussion.
“I don’t think anyone in the country would make a decision behind closed doors,” he added.
The proposed Sea Breeze Uzbekistan complex — a $10bn tourism investment led by Azerbaijani businessman Emin Agalarov — was initially introduced to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in April. The plan envisions a large-scale development across 577 hectares of land near the Charvak reservoir in the Bostanlyk district, with an initial phase covering 100 hectares. The project includes a bridge, avenue, beach area, hotels, cottages, restaurants, and viewing platforms.
While the government has expressed openness to reviewing the proposal, the project has already sparked concerns among environmentalists and social media users. Critics fear the development could degrade the Charvak reservoir — a vital source of drinking water for Tashkent and nearby areas. Specific worries include potential water pollution, a decrease in water levels, deforestation, and restricted public access to the shoreline.
Addressing these concerns, Abdukhakimov said the developer did not come to Charvak independently, but at the invitation of the Uzbek side.
“He’s an experienced entrepreneur with thousands of proposals. Other countries like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are also interested in his projects. He’s building in Turkey and planning projects in Montenegro. That’s why I say — let’s see his proposal before rejecting it outright,” the minister said.
The Sea Breeze project remains under preliminary discussion. Authorities have reiterated that any final decision will be made transparently and with input from experts and the public once official documents are received.
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