TASHKENT, Friday, April 10, 2026 (WNP): Tashkent is set to reinforce its emergence as Central Asia’s leading investment destination as it prepares to host the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) from June 16–19, 2026.
Held under the theme “Investment Resilience: New Frontiers, New Partnerships,” the forum will focus on safeguarding capital amid global uncertainty, strengthening institutional frameworks in frontier markets, and exploring new avenues for international partnerships.
The event comes against the backdrop of strong macroeconomic performance by Uzbekistan. According to official data, the country’s GDP grew by 7.7 percent in 2025, surpassing $147 billion—one of the fastest growth rates in the region. Major credit rating agencies, including Fitch Ratings, S&P Global, and Moody’s, have also upgraded or improved the country’s sovereign outlook, reflecting rising investor confidence.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) has surged significantly, reaching $42 billion in 2025 compared to just $4 billion in 2017, marking a tenfold increase in less than a decade. Exports have also risen sharply, while international reserves have crossed $77 billion.
Building on this momentum, TIIF 2026 is expected to attract thousands of participants, including global investors, policymakers, and business leaders. Last year’s forum drew over 8,000 participants from 97 countries and resulted in agreements worth $30.5 billion.
A key highlight of this year’s forum will be the newly established Tashkent International Financial Centre (TIFC), created in March 2026. Designed to operate under a special legal regime based on common-law principles, the centre aims to provide a predictable regulatory environment, featuring an independent financial regulator, arbitration mechanisms, and long-term tax incentives extending to 2076.
The forum’s agenda will be structured around four major pillars: investment resilience and capital protection, financial infrastructure and capital markets, trade connectivity and logistics corridors, and energy transition and climate finance.
Particular attention will be given to Uzbekistan’s ambitious energy transition strategy, which targets 54 percent renewable energy generation by 2030.
The country already operates over 4 GW of solar and wind capacity, with plans to add an additional 19 GW, supported by a growing public-private partnership framework valued at approximately $28 billion.
The event will also feature multiple bilateral business forums with countries including the Republic of Korea, the United States, Türkiye, and European partners, alongside a China–SCO investment dialogue, reflecting Uzbekistan’s expanding global economic engagement.
Despite the progress, key discussions at the forum will address structural challenges, including corporate governance reforms, privatization strategies, and alignment with international standards on responsible business conduct.
In addition to formal sessions, the forum will host networking events, investor meetings, and exhibitions showcasing industrial and investment opportunities, further strengthening its role as a platform for practical deal-making.
The Tashkent International Investment Forum has evolved into a key instrument of Uzbekistan’s economic policy, with its success increasingly measured by the conversion of agreements into tangible investments.
As Uzbekistan advances institutional reforms and launches new financial infrastructure, TIIF 2026 is expected to serve as a critical platform for attracting global capital and shaping the next phase of the country’s economic transformation.
