The IV Tashkent International Investment Forum, which concluded on June 12, reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s steady progress toward becoming a reliable partner and an open economy. Agreements and memorandums signed at the event totaled $30.5 billion - a result not only of large-scale efforts but also of growing trust from the international business community, according to Gazeta.uz.
Since 2022, the previous three forums have produced 357 deals worth $44 billion, and this year’s event continues that trend. With over 8,000 participants - 3,000 of whom came from abroad - the forum reflects the sustained global interest in Uzbekistan as a promising investment destination.
Among the key projects is the $5 billion Sea Breeze Uzbekistan resort complex, to be developed in partnership with Agalarov Development. The project represents a shift from traditional infrastructure investments to ambitious initiatives aimed at expanding the tourism and service industries.
The forum also highlighted a strong focus on the energy sector. Notable projects include a 1,400 MW thermal power plant and solar power stations in the Namangan and Fergana regions. These efforts align with Uzbekistan’s strategy of transitioning to renewable energy sources while ensuring the resilience of its power grid.
Entrepreneurship support was another focal point. A memorandum between the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and the OPEC Fund for International Development will allocate $500 million for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. If effectively distributed to local districts and neighborhoods, the funding could significantly transform local economies.
Another major agreement was the creation of a Central Asia Direct Investment Fund in partnership with Uz Oman Capital. This marks a step toward structured regional cooperation, moving beyond previously dominant bilateral investment models.
The forum also emphasized sustainable development, with investors showing interest in infrastructure and environmental projects, including waste recycling, road construction, and even bamboo cultivation.
Although many of the agreements remain preliminary, the forum confirmed a new direction for Uzbekistan: from one-off deals to a systematic investment strategy. The main outcome is a shift in focus—from attracting funds at any cost to building conditions in which investment flows naturally.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
June 13, 2025