Tashkent Region expands cooperation with South Korean companies in energy and sports

The Governor of the Tashkent Region, Zoir Mirzaev, held a meeting with representatives of leading Japanese companies to discuss expanding investment and technological partnership in the region. According to a message from the Tashkent Regional Hokimiyat, the proposed projects include establishing an IT outsourcing center, launching a smart city pilot project in Nurafshan, and forming a cluster for Japanese furniture and design.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views on Japan's best practices in digital transformation, green technologies, and industrialization, as well as studying potential investment opportunities in the Tashkent Region. Zoir Mirzaev emphasized that favorable conditions have been created for foreign investors in the region, including enterprises operating in the information technology sector.

Japanese companies were invited to establish an IT outsourcing center and implement a smart city pilot project in Nurafshan. Furthermore, the parties discussed the possibility of introducing digital solutions in areas such as healthcare, transport, utilities, and public administration.

Another topic of discussion was the development of the furniture industry. Participants reviewed a proposal to create a cluster for Japanese furniture and design in the Saidovul industrial zone. This project involves localizing the production of Japanese furniture followed by exporting finished products to foreign markets.

Personnel training was also on the agenda. The parties proposed jointly establishing professional training centers and Japanese language study centers with the participation of Japanese companies. It is expected that young people will receive training there according to modern standards in medicine, IT, and furniture manufacturing.

At the conclusion of the negotiations, the parties reached an agreement to continue practical cooperation in the discussed areas and jointly implement promising projects.

Chinese companies are considering participation in production projects and investments in the Tashkent region. Discussions on bilateral cooperation took place on September 4, 2026, during a meeting between Jakhongir Mamazhonov, Deputy Governor of the Tashkent Region, and representatives of Chinese businesses.

Meeting Participants

The event gathered representatives from fifteen Chinese companies and organizations. Attendees included heads of enterprises specializing in the production of thermal and gas equipment, thermal technologies, industrial components, and electronic devices. Representatives from firms involved in manufacturing gas sensors, certification services, and international supply chains were also present.

Areas of Cooperation Under Discussion

During the negotiations, the Chinese side was presented with information regarding the investment potential of the Tashkent region. Special attention was paid to the region's production capabilities and the conditions provided for foreign investors. The parties examined promising areas for interaction and the potential implementation of joint projects involving Chinese business.

One of the key points of discussion was the establishment of modern production facilities in the Tashkent region. Participants discussed the possibility of organizing localized production of heating systems and gas equipment. Furthermore, the parties reviewed issues related to the development of industrial cooperation and the introduction of advanced technologies.

At the conclusion of the meeting, an agreement was reached to thoroughly study the presented investment proposals and continue negotiations on potential areas of cooperation. The parties also agreed to establish practical interaction for the realization of joint investment projects in the Tashkent region.

According to the business activity survey published by the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the share of entrepreneurs in Tashkent and the Tashkent region who reported an improvement in business conditions reached 53 percent in the second quarter of 2026. This figure demonstrates an increase of three percentage points compared to 50 percent recorded in the same period of 2025.

The research results show that 51 percent of respondents noted an increase in order volumes, whereas this indicator was 47 percent in Q2 2025. Furthermore, 50 percent of participating enterprises reported an increase in production volume, which is higher than 43 percent a year earlier.

Entrepreneurs also pointed to growing demand for additional labor—43 percent of surveyed business owners noted this growth compared to 41 percent a year earlier. Additionally, 43 percent noted an increase in cargo transportation volumes, rising from 42 percent in 2025. Meanwhile, 37 percent of respondents reported higher payments on loans and debt servicing, which is higher than 36 percent in the corresponding period of 2025.

The annual increase in industrial capacity utilization in regional enterprises amounted to 18 percentage points.

Forecasts for the upcoming quarter

Forecasts for the next quarter indicate sustained optimism. It is expected that 51 percent of entrepreneurs predict an increase in order volumes, which is higher than 50 percent in 2025. Moreover, 46 percent expect an expansion of production volume, compared to 45 percent a year ago. It is projected that the demand for additional labor will increase by 45 percent among respondents, exceeding 44 percent in Q2 2025. Order growth is expected primarily in the manufacturing, agricultural, and construction sectors.

Long-term expectations have also significantly risen: 82 percent of surveyed entrepreneurs expressed confidence in the overall economic and business environment over the next three years. This represents an increase of 25 percentage points compared to 57 percent registered in the second quarter of 2025.