Uzbekistan's network of special economic zones (SEZs) has become a central pillar of the country's strategy to attract foreign investment and expand manufacturing. Government data shows industrial output in these zones reached nearly €3.12 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 42.7% increase compared with the same period in 2024. Foreign direct investment inflows are also rising steadily as authorities upgrade infrastructure to meet demand from international businesses.
The country currently operates 31 SEZs, alongside hundreds of smaller industrial sites and technoparks. Demand is particularly strong in logistics, export-oriented manufacturing, and regional trade, according to officials.
Investor Interest Drives Infrastructure Expansion
“Annual foreign direct investment inflows are growing by around 20 to 25 percent,” said Sahib Saifnazarov, head of the Department of Free Economic Zones at the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade. He noted that rising investor interest is increasing demand for industrial land, transport infrastructure, and energy supply. Authorities are also promoting renewable energy projects and seeking greater involvement from experienced international management companies. “Today, more attention is being paid not only to infrastructure but also to green energy,” Saifnazarov added. “Another important direction is involving experienced foreign companies in the management of these zones.”
This push aligns with broader trends across Central Asia, where countries are vying for investment in manufacturing and logistics. For European firms looking to diversify supply chains, Uzbekistan offers a relatively stable environment and growing connectivity to markets in Asia and the Middle East.
Navoi: A Multimodal Hub in the Making
Among the largest industrial hubs, the Navoi Free Economic Zone has become a major centre for manufacturing and logistics. According to Ma’murjon Murodullayev, deputy director of the zone’s administration, more than 90 projects worth approximately €2.2 billion are located there, with 73 already operational and employing over 8,000 people. “Between 2026 and 2029, another 18 major projects are planned, which are expected to create nearly 2,000 additional jobs,” he said. The zone exported nearly €132 million worth of products in 2025 to markets including CIS countries, Europe, and China, with exports expected to exceed €141 million next year.
Navoi is also positioning itself as a multimodal transport hub linking Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Alisher Klichov, director of Navoi International Airport, outlined plans for a new cargo terminal, specialised facilities for express shipments, and an aircraft maintenance and painting centre expected to open by 2029. “Our strategic goal is to create a central Eurasian transit hub in Navoi capable of competing with major hubs in the UAE, Kazakhstan, and the Caucasus,” Klichov said.
Tashkent Region Attracts International Manufacturers
The Tashkent region SEZ has emerged as a significant destination for foreign manufacturers. According to Eldor Ko’chimov, chief specialist of the zone’s administration, 71 foreign enterprises currently operate there, with Chinese investors accounting for the largest share—31 projects—while 14 involve investors from Russia. Negotiations are ongoing with Japanese and Korean partners. Since the zone was established in 2012, 119 enterprises worth €1.3 billion have been launched, with construction continuing on a further 112 projects valued at approximately $1.2 billion. Industrial output has reached nearly €870 million, and products are exported to nearly 30 countries.
Among the investors is Showaib Mirzoi, whose company is developing a beverage production project in Angren. “Our planned investment is around €112 million, and it is expected to increase further,” he said. “We plan to add PET lines, glass lines, CO2 gas production, and plastic packaging facilities.” Mirzoi noted that his company already operates similar businesses in Afghanistan but selected Uzbekistan for its industrial development opportunities and growing market.
Termez: A Gateway to South Asia
Further south, the Termez International Trade Center near the Afghan border is becoming an increasingly important commercial gateway. Opened in August 2024, the centre now hosts more than 255 entrepreneurs, including 129 Afghan citizens, according to Mirkhamid Mirpolatov, head of the trade centre. More than 1,300 jobs have been created. Businesses from Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan have established operations there, while Chinese companies have also begun entering the market. Mirpolatov said the centre’s location provides businesses with direct access to trade routes through Afghanistan. “Our center is in a very convenient location for transporting goods through Afghanistan to other countries,” he said. “Interest from international businesses is growing every day.”
Entrepreneur Shamsiddin Taganov, who exports confectionery products to Afghanistan, highlighted the practical benefits. “We mainly export sweets, chocolate, biscuits and similar products produced in Uzbekistan,” he said. “The logistics centres help us organise deliveries to Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif.”
Uzbekistan's SEZ strategy reflects a broader effort to integrate into global supply chains, offering European and other international investors a foothold in Central Asia. The country's recent €75 billion investment portfolio unveiled at the Tashkent Forum underscores its ambitions. For European businesses seeking alternatives to traditional manufacturing hubs, Uzbekistan's zones present a viable option, though challenges such as energy supply and skilled labour remain.
