US company C&N Associates plans to build a "smart city" in Nurafshan, Uzbekistan, with an estimated investment of $10-15bn, the Tashkent regional khokimiyat (city administration) has announced.
Regional khokim Zoir Mirzayev met with Ronald James Hubbard, director of C&N Associates, to discuss the smart city project that would cover 1,600 hectares with advanced infrastructure and technology aimed at providing high living standards.
The smart city will include government buildings, medical and educational facilities and industrial zones, creating a self-sustaining environment to boost economic growth, officials said.
A plant would also be built to produce building materials from local resources, aiding both the city development and the regional economy.
A key part of the project is improving connectivity between Tashkent and Nurafshan with high-speed trains, cutting travel time and enhancing commutes.
C&N Associates aims to attract over 15 partners and investors to support the project, using their expertise for successful implementation.
A memorandum of cooperation has ben signed to formalise the commitment.
With over 40 years of experience in residential and commercial property design and construction, C&N Associates has a diverse portfolio that includes airports, hotels, universities and shopping centres, the company said.