China’s Huanrong Paper Company plans to invest $500 million in a major industrial project in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand Region, marking one of the largest manufacturing investments in the area.

The company’s leadership announced the initiative during a meeting with Samarkand regional governor Adiz Boboev. The project envisions the construction of a modern production complex specializing in industrial cardboard, packaging materials, and office paper, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Implementation is planned in five stages and will require more than 50 hectares of land. Authorities are currently reviewing land plots in the Khishrau-2 area within the Urgut Free Economic Zone, which are expected to be put up for auction in the near future.

The investors noted that the plant would be the only facility of its kind in Central Asia, creating around 3,000 new jobs. Annual tax revenues from the project are projected at $50-60 million, providing a significant boost to the state budget.

Boboev emphasized that the project aligns with the region’s socio-economic development priorities and assured investors of full support from local authorities. This includes swift resolution of organizational and infrastructure issues, as well as continuous project facilitation throughout all stages of implementation.