The 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum became an event that will remain in history not only for Uzbekistan but for the entire region. The participation of representatives from nearly 100 countries of the world, international organizations, and leaders of the business community was a vivid expression of the trust and interest in Uzbekistan.

At the opening of the forum, the President gave an open and realistic assessment of the tense geopolitical situation in the world. He noted that the arms race, the denial of international legal norms, and the neglect of food security and climate issues have become common challenges for humanity. In this context, he emphasized that investment, dialogue, and fair approaches should be the main factors in preserving peace and ensuring sustainable development. He also paid special attention to the situation in Afghanistan, stressing the need not to isolate it from the international arena but rather to guide it toward economic development.

Domestic reforms and efforts to ensure economic stability were also extensively highlighted in the speech. It was particularly emphasized that the doubling of the gross domestic product, along with the growth in investment and export volumes, is a direct result of the reforms being implemented. The positive assessments given to Uzbekistan’s economy by international rating agencies and organizations were noted as evidence that these processes are being recognized at the global level.

Four key directions were identified for improving the investment climate and introducing new drivers of the economy. The first is the development of a green economy, with $6 billion in investments already attracted in this area. The share of electricity generated from renewable sources is increasing year by year. The second direction is the digital economy and artificial intelligence. IT exports are on the rise, while the establishment of data centers, the development of a national AI model, and the “One Million Leaders of Artificial Intelligence” project all demonstrate Uzbekistan’s aspiration to take a leading position in a digitalized world.

The third direction is aimed at modernizing the financial sector. Venture capital, reinsurance systems, and cybersecurity platforms – all of these are designed to ensure economic resilience. The fourth direction focuses on the development and expansion of the extraction and processing of technological minerals. It is planned to turn the country’s $3 trillion worth of underground resources into long-term, promising areas of investment.

Guarantees and the creation of a favorable environment for investors were also among the most essential points of the speech. The principles of “national treatment”, the “one-stop shop” system, protection from excessive inspections, and privatization processes are all aimed at safeguarding the interests of investors. The establishment of a National Investment Fund and the involvement of prestigious companies such as Franklin Templeton serve as vivid examples of this commitment.

Reforms in the field of transport and logistics also play an essential role in strengthening the investment climate. The transfer of airports in cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Urgench to private partners, the construction of a mega city within the framework of the “New Tashkent” project, and the establishment of a multimodal hub are all aimed at revitalizing the economic lifelines of the country.

At the forum, issues of regional cooperation with Central Asian states also took center stage. The 3.5-fold increase in trade turnover with neighboring countries, the construction of the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway, and energy and infrastructure projects all testify to the growing solidarity and mutual trust in the region. The President put forward the concept of a “Single Space for Investment and Trade” and called on international organizations to introduce new financial mechanisms.

The outcomes of the 4^th Tashkent International Investment Forum demonstrated that Uzbekistan’s standing on the international stage is rising, reforms are being pursued deeply and systematically, and the country is becoming an open and reliable destination for investors. In his speech, the President outlined the main directions for sustainable development, both economically and politically. From now on, implementing these tasks and strengthening international cooperation through concrete initiatives will remain among the strategic objectives facing our state.

Abdullo Aslonov,

Deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis,

Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Political Council of UzLiDeP.