Construction - The Times Of Central Asia

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Afghanistan Construction Bilateral Cooperation Marble Imam Bukhari Complex Monument

Afghanistan Delivers White Marble to Uzbekistan for Imam Bukhari Complex

Afghanistan has delivered 16 truckloads of white marble from Herat to Uzbekistan for use in the construction of the Imam Bukhari complex in Samarkand, according to the Surkhandarya regional administration. The marble will contribute to the ongoing development of the religious and cultural site dedicated to the revered Islamic scholar. The marble was officially transferred at the Termez International Trade Center during a meeting between Uzbek and Afghan officials. According to Uzbekistan’s state news agency UzA, the first shipment comprises 324 boxes of rare white marble, with each slab measuring 3.5 to 4 centimeters thick. Expanding Bilateral Relations Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have been expanding bilateral relations in recent years. In March, Uzbekistan sent nearly 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including flour, pasta, oil, sugar, and other essential supplies. Looking ahead, the two nations aim to boost annual trade to $3 billion. In 2023, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan totaled $866 million.

Construction Jalal-Abad International Airport Airports

Kyrgyzstan Begins Construction of New Jalal-Abad International Airport

On May 13, President Sadyr Japarov laid the foundation stone for a new international airport in Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan’s third-largest city. The new airport will span over 380 hectares and include a two-story passenger terminal covering 10,000 square meters, with the capacity to handle 350 passengers per hour. Its airfield infrastructure will meet international standards, featuring a 3,800-meter runway and six aircraft parking bays. The facility will accommodate both passenger and cargo aircraft, including Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and A321 models. Unlike a renovation of the existing facility, the project entails entirely new construction. The current Jalal-Abad airport dates back to 1938, originally serving as an airfield, with a terminal building and asphalt runway added in 1972. Boosting Air Infrastructure At the groundbreaking ceremony, Japarov emphasized the rising demand for both domestic and international flights, underscoring the need to expand the country's airport infrastructure. “Since 2021, Kyrgyzstan has increased passenger traffic by 46% and the number of flights by 31%. New aircraft have been acquired, and previously idle regional airports have resumed operations,” he said. He also noted that the newly established Asman Airlines has restored all domestic routes, linking the capital, Bishkek, with Talas, Karakol, and Kerben. In 2024, the airline added two Canadian-made Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 short-haul aircraft to its fleet for domestic service. Regional Impact Japarov stated that the new Jalal-Abad International Airport would enhance logistics, trade, tourism, and investment across the Fergana Valley, a region shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. This project is part of Kyrgyzstan’s broader strategy to modernize its aviation infrastructure. In February 2025, construction began on a new airport complex at Osh International Airport, located in the country’s second-largest city. Kyrgyzstan has also recently inaugurated Karakol International Airport and Talas Airport. Reconstruction efforts are currently underway at Issyk-Kul International Airport and Naryn Airport.

Cement imports Construction Economic Growth temporary ban market tensions

Rising Cement Prices in Kyrgyzstan Slow Economic Growth

In a bid to stabilize the construction market, the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has lifted a temporary ban on cement imports. The decision is aimed at addressing soaring prices and growing demand for construction materials amid an ongoing nationwide building boom. According to government officials, the move is intended to support market competition, prevent material shortages, and reduce pressure on prices. “The lifting of the temporary ban on cement imports will support healthy competition in the market, prevent shortages, and stabilize prices for construction materials,” the cabinet stated. The ban had been introduced approximately one month earlier, following a surge in cement imports from neighboring countries. Officials argued that this influx had created unfair competitive conditions for domestic producers. Construction Boom Meets Market Tensions Kyrgyzstan’s construction sector has emerged as a key engine of economic growth in recent years. The government has made the development of this sector a priority, citing its importance for job creation, infrastructure expansion, and broader economic momentum. The country is currently in the midst of a construction boom, with large-scale projects such as stadiums, airports, and affordable housing developments underway. These initiatives are being supported by new mortgage lending programs and infrastructure investments. However, rapid growth has strained the supply of building materials, especially cement. Local media report that the construction of a new stadium in Bishkek, touted as the future largest in Central Asia, alone requires 135,000 cubic meters of cement. Concerns have also been raised over alleged artificial price hikes. While officials deny any supply issues, reports suggest that some market players may be inflating prices to maximize profit amid the surge in demand. Balancing Growth and Stability The lifting of the import ban signals a shift in government policy toward greater market flexibility in the face of inflationary pressures. It reflects broader challenges facing Kyrgyzstan’s economy as it seeks to balance robust growth in the construction sector with price stability and fair market practices. As the country continues its infrastructure push, the success of such measures will be critical not only to the construction industry but also to the broader trajectory of economic development in 2025.

reconstruction roads Asian Development Bank Construction Infrastructure

ADB Finances 90% of Road Projects in Tajikistan’s Regions

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has financed the construction and reconstruction of 90% of all roads in Tajikistan outside the capital, Dushanbe. This was announced by Evgeny Zhukov, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia, during the 58th Annual Meeting of the Bank’s Board of Governors in Milan. Tajikistan’s Largest Transport Infrastructure Investor According to Zhukov, Tajikistan has long been a key partner for the ADB. Since the start of cooperation, the bank has invested approximately $2.7 billion in the country, with the majority of funds directed toward public sector development. “If you travel outside Dushanbe, there is a 90% chance the roads you are on were built or modernized with ADB support. This confirms the effectiveness of our investments,” Zhukov stated. Laziza Sabirova, Head of Regional Cooperation and Integration at the ADB’s Central and West Asia Department, emphasized the bank’s commitment to quality control. An independent unit evaluates whether project outcomes align with initial objectives and ensures efficient use of funds. “These specialists assess each project’s relevance and effectiveness, checking if goals were achieved, whether there was overspending, and evaluating construction quality. Post-completion, they also analyze facility use, maintenance, and any further funding needs,” Sabirova explained. Zhukov also highlighted the ADB’s intent to strengthen cooperation with other international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. One of the largest upcoming joint initiatives will involve funding the Rogun hydroelectric power plant. The ADB plans to allocate up to $500 million for this project in the coming years. Future Development Plans Earlier announcements indicated that the ADB is planning around 20 major projects in Tajikistan between 2025 and 2029. These initiatives span agriculture, social services, urban development, and energy. Particular emphasis will continue to be placed on improving transport infrastructure to enhance domestic logistics and boost economic ties with neighboring countries. Currently, the ADB’s portfolio in Tajikistan includes 19 ongoing public investment projects valued at about $1 billion. These cover key sectors such as energy, healthcare, water supply, irrigation, environmental protection, and tourism. In support of these efforts, the ADB has also provided 12 technical assistance grants totaling $11.2 million. Supporting Economic Stability Ko Sakamoto, the ADB’s permanent representative in Tajikistan, affirmed the bank’s ongoing partnership with the government to reinforce economic stability and improve living standards. “Our collaboration with local partners is already producing tangible results, and we are confident that upcoming projects will contribute to sustainable development,” Sakamoto said. Tajikistan remains one of the largest recipients of ADB grants in Central Asia. Since the beginning of their partnership in 1998, the ADB has delivered significant financial support for vital infrastructure projects, helping lay the groundwork for long-term economic progress.

Border fence Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Construction

Kyrgyzstan Begins Construction of Border Fence with Tajikistan

Kyrgyzstan has launched construction of a border fence along its frontier with Tajikistan in the Batken region, according to a report by 24.kg. The project commenced near the village of Koshmolo in the Tort-Gul area, a strategically significant location where the borders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan converge. An official ceremony marking the start of the project was held at a nearby border marker. Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister and head of the State Committee for National Security, Kamchybek Tashiev, addressed the event via video link. Other senior officials in attendance included Director of the Border Guard Service Major General Abdikarim Alimbaev and Aybek Shamenov, the presidential representative in Batken. To facilitate the project, a field operations camp has been established, and specialized construction equipment has been deployed. Authorities report that all necessary logistical conditions have been prepared for personnel working on site. “Today we are witnessing a significant event of great importance for the citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The Border Service will make every effort to complete the development work within the established timeframe. Our goal is to create a zone of security and tranquility on the shared border,” said Alimbaev. 420 Kilometers of Fencing Planned in First Stage In its initial phase, the project aims to install barbed wire fencing along 420 kilometers of the border. The entire border fortification is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The initiative follows a pivotal agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed on March 13 in Bishkek. During a bilateral summit, the presidents of both countries reached a historic deal to fully delimit and demarcate the 1,006-kilometer border after years of disputes and sporadic clashes.

Construction Nuclear Energy low-capacity nuclear power plant Nuclear power plants

Nuclear Energy Project in Uzbekistan Enters Construction Phase

Uzbekistan has entered a new phase in its energy strategy as construction begins on the country’s first small-capacity nuclear power plant. The announcement was made during the INNOPROM. Central Asia industrial exhibition, held on April 28 in Tashkent, according to the presidential press service. The event, hosted at the Central Asian Expo Uzbekistan center, spans more than 18,000 square meters and has attracted over 10,000 delegates from Russia, neighboring Central Asian countries, China, India, and other nations. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev toured the exhibition pavilions and emphasized the importance of innovative business ideas and economic cooperation. He noted that the forum serves as a platform to advance new projects and strengthen long-term partnerships. Nuclear Power in Focus On the sidelines of the event, President Mirziyoyev met with a Russian delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. The sides reviewed progress on bilateral agreements made during Putin’s visit to Uzbekistan in May 2024 and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. A central topic of discussion was Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy project. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev confirmed that all legal formalities have been completed and that construction could officially begin within the year. “Not if, but when the leadership of Uzbekistan returns to the topic of a large nuclear power plant, we will already have proposals ready, not only on the design of future facilities but also on financing and local manufacturing,” Likhachev told TASS. “This project will be carried out through international cooperation, drawing on global best practices in electrical and mechanical engineering. However, the core nuclear technologies, the reactor island, will be Russian,” he added. Project Overview The plant is located in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh Region and will consist of six reactors, each with a capacity of 55 megawatts, for a total output of 330 MW. While Rosatom serves as the main contractor, local Uzbek companies are also involved in the construction process. Officials say the project is a strategic step toward Uzbekistan’s long-term energy security. Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, head of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency, recently called nuclear energy the most viable alternative to imported fossil fuels. He noted that Uzbekistan aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its national mix from 16% today to 54% by 2030. China is also playing a significant role in Uzbekistan's nuclear energy project. Shanghai Electric, a leading Chinese manufacturer, is being considered for providing turbine equipment for the non-nuclear island of the plant. Additionally, the Export-Import Bank of China (Eximbank) is in discussions to provide financial support. Energy analysts agree that a combined strategy of nuclear and renewable sources will allow Uzbekistan to meet rising domestic demand while reducing its environmental footprint.