TASHKENT, Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (WNP): President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Wednesday outlined an ambitious roadmap for the country’s next phase of investment-led development, highlighting six strategic priorities aimed at strengthening investor confidence, accelerating industrial modernization, expanding regional connectivity and positioning Uzbekistan as a leading economic hub in Eurasia.
Addressing the plenary session of the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum, President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to equal and mutually beneficial partnerships with international investors, emphasizing that the country’s ongoing reforms were delivering tangible economic results and creating new opportunities for global business.
The forum brought together more than 10,000 participants from over 100 countries, including heads of state and government, representatives of international financial institutions, foreign banks, global corporations, investment funds and business leaders.
Among the distinguished participants were Albanian President Bajram Begaj, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov, Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev, Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda and New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff.
Speaking under the forum’s theme, “Investment Resilience: New Frontiers, New Partnerships,” President Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan’s economy expanded by 7.7 percent last year and is expected to exceed $180 billion in gross domestic product this year.
He noted that investment inflows reached $43 billion in 2025, while international reserves surpassed $70 billion, reflecting growing macroeconomic stability and investor confidence.
The president highlighted that Uzbekistan had attracted more than $150 billion in foreign investment over recent years, including $123 billion during the past five years alone, while also improving its standing in global rankings, including entry into the category of countries with a “moderately free economy” in the Economic Freedom Index.
To sustain momentum, Mirziyoyev announced six key priorities for the country’s new investment development phase.
The first priority focuses on strengthening legal protections for investors through the establishment of the Tashkent International Financial Centre, which will operate under a special legal framework offering tax and customs incentives, guarantees of free capital movement and access to international arbitration mechanisms.
The second priority aims to deepen capital market reforms and expand modern financial instruments. Uzbekistan plans to continue accessing international capital markets after successfully issuing more than $16 billion in bonds and completing the largest initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange in the past five years. The government is also developing a legal framework for investment funds and sovereign Islamic bonds (sukuk).
The third priority centers on attracting investment into high-value-added industries. The president announced plans to increase high-tech industrial production by more than 2.5 times in coming years, with particular focus on chemicals, mechanical engineering, robotics, electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, construction materials and textiles.
Mirziyoyev also underscored the importance of leveraging Uzbekistan’s critical mineral reserves, valued at approximately $3 trillion, and developing “Metals of the Future” technoparks in partnership with foreign investors.
The fourth priority focuses on accelerating the transition to green energy and artificial intelligence. The president said renewable energy would account for 54 percent of the country’s energy mix in the near future, supported by investments in energy storage systems, grid modernization and clean-energy-powered data centers.
He further announced the creation of a special artificial intelligence zone in Karakalpakstan, offering preferential investment conditions and tax incentives, alongside plans to establish the International Digital Technology Centre of Uzbekistan.
“Our main task is to improve the lives of all segments of the population through artificial intelligence and its broad application in education, public services and business processes,” Mirziyoyev said.
The fifth priority relates to expanding regional transport and logistics connectivity. The president highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, the Trans-Afghan Corridor and the Middle Corridor route linking Asia and Europe.
He also noted ongoing work on a new international airport in Tashkent with a projected annual capacity of 20 million passengers.
The sixth priority addresses urbanization and regional development. Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan plans to double housing construction by 2040 and increase the country’s urbanization rate from 51 percent to 65 percent.
He also highlighted the growing importance of tourism and agriculture, projecting annual tourism revenues of at least $15 billion and agricultural exports rising from the current $3.5 billion to $10 billion.
During the forum, participants expressed support for the proposal to establish a Regional Alliance of Investment Councils of Central Asia and the Caucasus, aimed at creating a common investment space and strengthening regional economic integration.
Concluding his address, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that investments represent more than capital flows, describing them as a source of advanced technologies, modern expertise, employment opportunities and sustainable development.
“I am convinced that the spirit of the Tashkent Investment Forum will become a symbol of our shared success. Uzbekistan’s beautiful nature, unique culture and the hospitality of our people will be the best investment in strengthening our friendship,” he said.
