President Mirziyoyev Unveils Vision to Transform Nurafshan into Uzbekistan’s Smart Technology Hub

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in a ceremonial meeting with representatives of the Tashkent region community at New Uzbekistan Park in Nurafshan, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the city into a modern center of science, innovation, and high technology.

The event brought together members of the older generation, youth, and community activists. Addressing the gathering, President Mirziyoyev said he was pleased to meet the residents of the region once again and praised their dedication and hard work in contributing to the area’s rapid development.

The President highlighted the remarkable transformation of Nurafshan, noting that the city, which now serves as the administrative center of Tashkent region, has undergone significant modernization in a short period. Modern administrative, social, and cultural infrastructure has been established, including New Uzbekistan Park, Vatanparvar Park, a memorial complex dedicated to Zulfiya Zakirova, landscaped public spaces, an artificial lake, an amphitheater with fountains, and dedicated cycling and pedestrian pathways.

Describing Nurafshan as a symbol of the “New Uzbekistan,” President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the city’s name signifies “radiating light” and should reflect not only modern architecture but also excellence in governance, culture, and public service. He noted that Nurafshan has become the country’s first city developed under the “smart city” model, integrating digital governance, intelligent transport systems, energy-efficient technologies, and environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Outlining the city’s future, the President said the primary objective is to establish Nurafshan as a national hub for science, technology, and youth development. A modern Youth Campus is currently under construction, featuring a 1,000-seat Palace of Culture, a regional branch of the Academy of Arts, an Artificial Intelligence Center, an Information Resource Library, and a Vocational Training Center.

During the visit, the foundation stone was also laid for the Future Technologies Center, a major project to be built on a 35-hectare site. The center will serve as Uzbekistan’s leading hub for artificial intelligence and digitalization, housing advanced research facilities and high-tech laboratories.

The President further highlighted the Nurafshan Business City project, which will integrate administrative, commercial, educational, healthcare, cultural, and residential zones into a modern urban complex. Among its flagship initiatives is a 700-bed multidisciplinary medical center that will provide more than 60 specialized medical services, including telemedicine and robotic-assisted healthcare.

He also pointed to the ongoing development of a large tourism and cultural complex featuring an Oriental Bazaar, artisan streets, national pavilions, an amphitheater, and modern recreational facilities, aimed at enhancing the city’s cultural and tourism appeal.

Emphasizing the strategic importance of Tashkent region, President Mirziyoyev noted that it contributes approximately 10 percent of Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product. Over the past five years, the region has attracted around $16 billion in foreign investment, while nearly 3,000 enterprises with foreign capital now operate there, generating exports valued at $3 billion.

The President also announced plans to further integrate Tashkent region with the capital through expanded public transportation routes and the introduction of modern rail services linking Tashkent and Nurafshan.

Concluding his address, President Mirziyoyev pledged to continue working with entrepreneurs, farmers, intellectuals, elders, and young people to strengthen the region’s economy and improve the quality of life for its residents, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring peace, prosperity, and sustainable development across Uzbekistan.

The ceremony concluded with a cultural program, after which President Mirziyoyev completed his visit to Nurafshan and returned to Tashkent.