Uzbekistan attracts $43.1 billion in investment in 2025: China leads with $15.5 billion, EBRD invests €1 billion annually, thousands of delegates from 100 countries
Tashkent Investment Forum brought together investors from around the world. China became the largest investor, visa free regime is boosting SME interest. Uzbekistan is not just a resource supplier but a reliable partner.
As reported by CCTV+, the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum, held from Tuesday to Thursday in Tashkent, gathered thousands of delegates, investors and government representatives from more than 100 countries to strengthen regional ties and deepen economic cooperation. Uzbekistan is rapidly becoming one of Central Asia's most attractive investment hubs. Global investors and business leaders are exploring new partnerships and signing agreements at this annual forum.
Nikolay Seleznev, co founder of Uzum (Uzbekistan's leading fintech and e commerce provider), said: "Most retail used to happen on street bazaars, and people were very underserved in terms of convenient digital products, digital banking. We are here to change lives and consumer behaviour." In 2025, Uzbekistan attracted $43.1 billion in foreign investment — 24% more than the previous year. China became the largest investor, with total investment reaching $15.5 billion. Chinese companies are expanding in key sectors including automotive, infrastructure, energy and renewables.
Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov said: "It's not just about large scale projects. We see growing interest from Chinese SMEs. The visa free regime for Chinese citizens has helped accelerate this process." International organisations are also active in Uzbekistan. Francis Malige, Managing Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), noted: "We have been active in this region for several decades. In Uzbekistan alone, we invest nearly €1 billion annually in infrastructure, the financial sector, and the corporate sector. For us, this is a growing and very successful investment climate."
Uzbekistan is moving beyond a resource based economy, positioning itself as a reliable and equitable partner for global investors. Abdulla Abdukadirov, Acting Director of the Agency for Strategic Development and Reforms under the President of Uzbekistan, stressed: "Central Asia today is one of the most peaceful and stable regions, serving as a bridge between West, East, North and South."
The Tashkent International Investment Forum has been held annually since 2022. Uzbekistan is actively reforming its economy, simplifying conditions for foreign investors. A visa free regime for Chinese citizens was introduced in 2025. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is one of Uzbekistan's key international partners. Rising investment from China reflects the strategic rapprochement between the two countries under the Belt and Road Initiative.
When a country once seen as a supplier of cotton and gas gathers thousands of investors from 100 countries in its capital, something more than just a forum takes place. A shift in perception happens. Uzbekistan no longer wants to be a resource appendage — it is building a digital economy, attracting fintech giants and opening doors for small businesses. $43 billion in a year is not just money, it is trust.
And when China invests $15.5 billion and the EBRD puts in €1 billion annually, it becomes clear: Central Asia is no longer a periphery. It is becoming a centre of attraction. The Tashkent Forum is not just a meeting. It is the assembly point of a new economic landscape.
