Construction of large energy and transport complexes started in the Bukhara region. 
41 projects worth 7 billion USD in foreign investment and 39 projects through local investment for the same amount are currently underway in the region. Three more major facilities are slated for construction: a gas-chemical complex, a solar power plant, and Bukhara International Airport.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke about the importance of these projects at the launching ceremony held in this regard.
The gas chemical complex, to be constructed in the Karakul Free Economic Zone, will mark the country's pioneering use of methanol-to-olefins (MTO) technology.
The project will attract around 5 billion USD in investment and employ cutting-edge technologies from the USA, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Italy, and China. Within the scope of the single complex, 1.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 430,000 tons of naphtha are processed annually, resulting in the production of 1.1 million tons of high-demand polymer products in both domestic and global markets. According to calculations, the added value of these products will exceed the cost of gas by five times.
The new plant will employ 2,000 people. It will also stimulate the establishment of numerous enterprises in the construction, textile, leather and footwear, automotive, electrical, and other related industries and create another 4,000 jobs.
Steady economic growth leads to an average annual increase in electricity demand of 6%. Therefore, new energy-generating facilities are being established in the regions.
In recent years, 10 solar and wind power plants, totaling 2 gigawatts in capacity, have been connected to the grid through 2 billion USD in foreign investment. Currently, 32 green generation facilities with a total capacity of 18.3 gigawatts worth 19 billion USD are being built with foreign partners.
This year alone, the initial 2.6 gigawatts from 14 solar and wind farms will be integrated into the grid. Consequently, the proportion of alternative energy in our country's total power generation will rise from 9 percent to 15 percent. Overall, the aim is to achieve 40 percent by 2030.
Certainly, Bukhara known for its abundance of sunny days throughout the year, holds a unique position in this endeavor. Currently, 9 large projects with a capacity of 4 gigawatts worth about 4.5 billion USD in foreign investment are being implemented in the region.

The lineup will be expanded to include a 250-megawatt solar power plant constructed by the United Arab Emirates company "Masdar." 648 hectares of land have been allocated for this project in Alat district. The station is planned to be connected to the unified energy grid in December 2025.
Besides, alternative energy complexes are being constructed in the Bukhara region by the Saudi Arabian company "ACWA Power" and the Chinese company "Gezhouba." By 2030, the region's capacity will increase ninefold, with an annual production of 12.5 billion kilowatt-hours of green energy.

Another project on the horizon is the new international airport.
Reflecting Uzbekistan's policy of openness, connections with the global community are deepening. Our country has introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of more than 90 countries.
As a consequence, there has been a notable rise in the number of visitors to our country. Over the past two years, tourism has accounted for 40 percent of services exports. Additionally, 283 hotels, 486 hostels, and 1,200 family guesthouses have been constructed. Overall, tourism flow has surged by 35 percent.
 In particular, nearly 1.4 million foreign tourists visited Bukhara in 2023 alone.
These circumstances necessitate an augmentation of flights at the region's international airport. Consequently, a new international airport in Bukhara district is planned through a private partnership.
The 226 million USD project aims to develop airport infrastructure in line with international standards. It will enable the service of 1.2 thousand passengers per hour. By enhancing the quality of service for both passengers and aircraft, the project aims to attract new international airlines.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev launched the construction of these complexes by pressing a symbolic button.
A presentation of projects planned for construction in Bukhara region, including a new airport, took place here.