Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Sea Breeze Uzbekistan project at the Charvak Reservoir has sparked wide public debate, with concerns raised about potential environmental impact, local community interests, and budgetary burdens. The Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan has provided clarifications on the project’s key aspects.

According to M. Rakhimjanov, Deputy Head of the Ministry’s Department, Charvak is the “jewel of Uzbekistan’s tourism,” which is why it was essential to attract a strong investor capable of delivering a large-scale project comprehensively and at a high standard. Agalarov Development has proposed $5 billion in investments, including the construction of schools, hospitals, sewage systems, parks, and the creation of jobs.

Unlike dividing the site among multiple developers, a single master developer ensures architectural integrity, a unified transport and utility infrastructure, and centralized accountability. This approach, the Ministry notes, mirrors the model used in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project.

The project is fully funded by private investment, with no contribution from the state budget. All risks are borne by the investor, while the government maintains oversight of environmental standards, financial transparency, and social impact. Similar models have proven successful, such as the Sani Resort development in Greece.

Agalarov Development, with experience in creating world-class resorts, previously launched the Sea Breeze project in Azerbaijan, now a leading destination with modern hotels, restaurants, and developed infrastructure.

The rental fee is set at 17 billion soums, explained as an investment incentive. At the same time, the investor is paying $240 million in infrastructure contributions earmarked for sewage systems, roads, a bridge, and water treatment facilities.

The land remains state-owned. Subleasing is allowed only within the project’s unified concept, such as to international hotel operators, with immediate termination of agreements if conditions are violated.

Construction began legally, under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office and an interagency group led by the Deputy Prime Minister, even before the completion of full project documentation.

Environmental protection is a central focus: discharging wastewater into Charvak is strictly prohibited. The investor is financing a ring sewage system linked to treatment facilities in Chirchik. Plans also include large-scale tree planting and the use of energy-efficient technologies.

Public-use infrastructure such as roads and bridges will be financed by the government, since both tourists and local residents will use them. These costs will be offset by the investor’s infrastructure contributions.

The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, deliver social facilities, boost tourism, and generate significant budget revenues.

“Sea Breeze Uzbekistan is a chance for Charvak to become a year-round center of tourism, employment, and comfortable living, comparable to the world’s best resorts,” emphasized M. Rakhimjanov.