BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 1. Uzbek President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a package of proposals aimed at
transforming Uzbekistan into a major Eurasian transport and
logistics hub, with plans to expand logistics infrastructure,
improve border crossings and attract billions of dollars in private
investment.


This was reflected in the statement published by the press
service of the Uzbek president.


During a presentation, officials outlined measures to capitalize
on Uzbekistan's strategic location at the crossroads of Asia and
Europe by increasing the country's share of international transit
traffic and strengthening regional transport corridors.


According to the presidential press service, Uzbekistan
currently has 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) of international
transit corridors and a 4,700-kilometer railway network, while
logistics hubs are being developed in Tashkent, Navoi and Namangan.
Navoi International Airport continues to serve as a key cargo hub
on Eurasian air routes.


"The transport and logistics system has strategic importance for
increasing the country's export potential, investment
attractiveness and regional development," Mirziyoyev said,
according to the presidential press service.


Officials said the construction of the
China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the accelerated
implementation of the Trans-Afghan Railway would significantly
strengthen Uzbekistan's position in regional and international
transport networks.


Once completed, the projects are expected to establish the
shortest overland route between the Pacific Ocean and Europe,
reducing cargo delivery times to eight days—about three times
faster than traditional transport routes. The corridor would also
provide Uzbekistan with access to Pakistan's Karachi and Gwadar
ports, opening a direct gateway to the Indian Ocean and the rapidly
growing markets of South Asia.


Despite these advantages, officials acknowledged that Uzbekistan
currently captures only 1% to 2% of transit flows between China and
Europe.


Annual trade between China and Europe totals approximately $800
billion, with freight volumes estimated at 120 million to 150
million metric tons.


According to government estimates, increasing international
transit volumes by an additional 15 million to 20 million tons
annually could generate $400 million to $600 million in additional
revenue, attract $3 billion in foreign investment for logistics
infrastructure and create 50,000 permanent jobs, while boosting
annual economic growth by up to 2 percentage points.


In 2025, Uzbekistan handled 15.3 million tons of transit cargo,
a 54% increase compared with 2021.







However, the presentation highlighted several infrastructure
challenges, including limited border-crossing capacity, an
insufficient number of high-standard logistics centers, shortages
of modern warehouses and cold storage facilities, and the need for
greater digital integration across the logistics sector.


To address these issues, officials proposed developing Khanabad,
Angren, Yangiyul District, Akhangaran District, Alat District and
Termez District as specialized logistics hubs serving key
international transport corridors.


Khanabad would become a gateway for routes linking China with
Central Asia, the Caspian region, the Caucasus, Europe, Iran and
the Trans-Afghan corridor, while Alat would serve as the principal
hub for the Middle Corridor connecting China with Europe via the
Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus.


Termez would be developed as the country's primary gateway for
the Trans-Afghan transport corridor, linking Central Asia with
Pakistan.


To encourage private investment, the government plans to
allocate 50 hectares (124 acres) of land in each of the six
designated logistics zones, 300 hectares in total, and provide up
to $200 million annually in preferential financing for logistics
projects. External infrastructure, including roads and utilities,
would be financed through the state budget.


Additional proposals include constructing new customs terminals
and truck parking facilities in Kibray and Termez districts,
establishing an international railway border crossing in Khanabad,
expanding the railway station in Yangiyul and building a Category A
logistics center in Akhangaran.


Officials also proposed accelerating the digital transformation
of the sector by integrating terminal and warehouse management
systems with the national E-logistika platform, introducing
real-time cargo monitoring, automatic license plate recognition and
electronic vehicle registration.


The government also plans to streamline customs clearance
through a "one-stop" border control system and simplify customs
duties and certification requirements for importing modern
logistics equipment.


Mirziyoyev instructed officials to accelerate the development of
international transport corridors, expand the country's logistics
network, digitalize the sector and create more favorable conditions
for private investment as Uzbekistan seeks to establish itself as a
leading logistics hub connecting East and West.