Novaport reaches impasse with Uzbekistan authorities over airport reconstruction

Momberger

Russian Novaport holding, which specializes in comprehensive airport development programmes and Uzbekistan’s authorities have reached an impasse in negotiations on the reconstruction of several airports (Samarkand, Namangan, Urgench), according to Russian media. The Uzbek government is not ready to give a concession for 30 years, as requested by the investor. The country's authorities have already begun to search for another investor, having held a meeting with the Japanese Sumitomo Corporation in early December 2019. However, Novaport has not withdrawn from negotiations and continues to maintain interest in assets. Experts note that Japanese companies are also unlikely to agree on a short-term concession. The last meeting of representatives of Novaport and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan took place in autumn 2019 and stalled on the issue of the concession period. Novaport had signed a framework agreement with the Uzbek authorities in May 2019. The holding’s participation in these projects could be the first step to secure the management of Tashkent Airport, one of the last highreturn infrastructure assets in the CIS without a private owner or investor. #1131.11