In a strategic push to deepen Uzbekistan’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub, global operator DP World has partnered with Tashkent Invest (a subsidiary of the Tashkent City Administration) to develop a state-of-the-art multimodal logistics terminal near the Uzbek capital.
Under the agreement, DP World will hold an 85% stake in the joint venture, while Tashkent Invest retains 15%. The total planned investment is approximately US$288 million, and the development is to be carried out in phases.
Project Scope and Facilities
The joint venture company, DP World Tashkent LLC, will oversee the development of an international transport and logistics hub on a site covering approximately 82 hectares within the Special Industrial Zone.
Once fully operational, the Tashkent Multimodal Logistics Terminal will include a rail connected dry port for containers and covered cargo, customs clearance zones, vehicle storage areas, truck parking, and Grade A warehouses and cross-docking facilities.
In the first phase, scheduled for completion by the 2026–2027 fiscal year, the terminal will deliver capacity for handling 150,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) via rail, and about 63,000 m² of warehouse space. Later phases may add up to 163,000 m² more warehouse area, depending on demand.
The terminal will have direct links to Uzbekistan’s national rail network, key highways, and Tashkent International Airport, enabling efficient cargo flows across modes. The project benefits from tax and customs incentives offered by the government to encourage investment in logistics infrastructure.
Strategic Intent and Impact
DP World describes the venture as aligned with Uzbekistan’s broader ambition to become a Central Asian logistics hub.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting Uzbekistan’s vision of becoming a major logistics and trade hub in Central Asia.
"The Tashkent Multimodal Logistics Terminal will bring world-class infrastructure and smart logistics capabilities to the region, improving the efficiency of supply chains and supporting businesses across industries.”
Shavkat Umurzakov, mayor of Tashkent said: "The agreement initiates the development of a transport and logistics hub, which will significantly increase the capital's production and export potential.
"The partnership with DP World, a recognized global expert in logistics and port management, will provide an opportunity to introduce modern technologies in Tashkent and attract large investors. With its world-class infrastructure, Tashkent will become even more convenient for both local and global businesses."
Analysts view the terminal as a keystone for Uzbekistan’s aim to integrate more deeply into global trade routes. The multimodal design promises to lower logistics costs, shorten transit times, and strengthen trade connectivity between Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Challenges and Risks Ahead
While the plan is ambitious, execution will demand navigating infrastructure challenges, coordinating rail-road interoperability, and ensuring demand volume to justify expansions. The pace of regional trade, customs harmonization, and macroeconomic stability will all be critical.
Moreover, the phased approach means early success in the first tranche will be closely watched. If initial cargo volumes and operational efficiency fall short, later phases could stall.
Outlook
If delivered on schedule and scale, the Tashkent multimodal terminal could reshape Uzbekistan’s logistics landscape. It may become a vital transit node in Central Asia, pulling in regional trade flows and attracting downstream industry investment. For DP World, the project reinforces its strategy to expand inland logistics hubs beyond classic port operations.
In the coming years, progress on construction, the smooth rollout of operations, and good early throughput performance could make this joint venture a benchmark for other intermodal logistics projects in the region.