Uzinfoinvest said that about US$65 million were allocated to realization of the projects in the zone. The investments will be directed to create necessary infrastructure in the zone and creation of social objects, gazeta.uz reported.

Administrative council of Navoi free industrial and economic zone approved preliminary general construction plan and its implementation has been started. Construction of road from international highway to Navoi Airport, railway road, gas pipeline and water system is underway.

According to preliminary calculations, adopted measures will allow to attract US$900 million of investments to realize 50 projects. Currently, there are 40 agreements with foreign partners on realization of projects in Navoi.

Number of projects, realized at Navoi free industrial and economic zone can reach 100 in 2010 and investments volume can make up US$5 billion, according to assessments.

The Uzbek President Islam Karimov signed a decree on creation of Navoi free industrial and economic zone in December 2008. The zone will function for 30 years. Special customs, currency and tax regimes will act during this period.