What the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 Revealed

Representatives of governments, international financial institutions, major corporations, and investment funds from more than 100 countries attended the forum.

According to the organizers, investment projects worth around €75 billion were presented to potential investors. The projects span a wide range of sectors, including energy, transport, logistics, industry, and digital infrastructure.

The forum was held alongside Uzbekistan’s National Exhibition of Industrial and Investment Potential, where state-owned and private companies showcased their projects and investment opportunities.

A New Financial Hub

One of the key moments of the forum was the address delivered by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

During his speech, he announced plans to establish the Tashkent International Financial Centre. According to the president, the centre will operate under a special legal framework based on the principles of English law. Authorities also plan to introduce an independent regulatory system and create favorable conditions for international investors.

The new centre is expected to attract additional foreign investment and encourage more international financial institutions to enter the Uzbek market.

Continuing the Reform Agenda

The proposed financial centre is part of Uzbekistan’s broader economic reform program.

In recent years, the country has accelerated the privatization of state-owned assets, expanded opportunities for foreign investors, and continued developing its financial sector. Uzbekistan has also sought to attract international banks, investment funds, and other financial institutions.

Competition for Capital

Uzbekistan is aiming to strengthen its position as one of Central Asia’s investment destinations. At the same time, competition for international capital across the region is becoming increasingly intense.

Kazakhstan remains among the largest recipients of foreign direct investment in Central Asia. The country is home to the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), which operates under English common law principles and serves as a platform for international business and investment.

Why Investors Are Looking at Central Asia

Several factors are driving growing interest in Central Asia. The region sits at the crossroads of major transport corridors linking Europe and Asia. It is also rich in natural resources, including critical minerals and rare-earth elements that are increasingly important for global industries.

Another factor is market size. More than 80 million people now live across the countries of Central Asia, making the region increasingly attractive to international investors.

Against this backdrop, the Tashkent International Investment Forum is emerging as a platform where countries across the region can showcase projects, attract foreign capital, and strengthen their presence on the global investment map.