The Russian holding company Novaport has signed a framework agreement on modernization of airports in Samarkand, Namangan and Urgench, Kommersant.ru reports.

The Russian holding company has expressed interest in the country’s airports, to reform the industry after a change of government. Novaport may also participate in the investment of Tashkent Airport.

Samarkand Airport should be the first to undergo reconstruction: in 2022, the city will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, which will be the first major international event in the city for the entire post-Soviet period.

The industry called the deadlines for the reconstruction “extremely tight”. More time was allotted for modernization of the airports of Namangan and Urgench – about five years.