Tashkent hosts largest investment gathering in Central Asia
The forum features panel discussions, bilateral meetings, and an extensive exhibition showcasing investment opportunities in energy, industry, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, and logistics, in addition to the signing of numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding between Uzbekistan and its international partners.
The Times Kuwait Report
The fifth edition of the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) opened on Tuesday in the Uzbek capital, bringing together world leaders, senior government officials, global investors, and representatives of leading financial institutions in what has become Central Asia’s largest investment gathering.
The three-day forum, running from 16 to 18 June, has attracted more than 8,000 participants from 99 countries, reaffirming Uzbekistan’s growing role as a regional hub for investment, trade, and economic cooperation.
The event was inaugurated by President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in the presence of Bajram Begaj, alongside prime ministers and senior officials from Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Malaysia, and Tajikistan, as well as executives from multinational corporations, investment funds, and international development institutions.
Addressing the opening session, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the rapid evolution of the forum into a major international platform for investment and economic dialogue. He noted that the event reflects growing international confidence in Uzbekistan’s economy and the country’s commitment to building a competitive, transparent, and investor-friendly business environment.
The Uzbek leader emphasized that ongoing economic reforms remain central to the nation’s long-term development strategy. He underscored the importance of foreign investment not only as a source of capital but also as a catalyst for technology transfer, industrial development, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
“Investment today is about building partnerships that drive innovation, strengthen supply chains, and create opportunities for future generations,” he said, reaffirming Uzbekistan’s commitment to expanding public-private partnerships and enhancing incentives for international investors.
Mirziyoyev also highlighted significant progress in modernizing economic legislation, strengthening financial institutions, and improving the overall investment climate, measures that have contributed to increased investor confidence and stronger engagement from international financial organizations.
Albania Sees Growing Opportunities for Cooperation
Speaking at the forum, Albanian President Bajram Begaj described Uzbekistan as an increasingly important strategic partner in Central Asia and expressed his country’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors.
Begaj identified trade, industry, renewable energy, tourism, logistics, agriculture, and technology as key areas for future collaboration. He stressed that investment remains a vital engine for economic growth, sustainable development, and employment generation.
The Albanian president also called for stronger engagement between the private sectors of both countries and encouraged businesses to explore opportunities in green energy, modern agriculture, digital technologies, and tourism. He noted that Albania’s geographic position could help facilitate greater connectivity between Central Asia and European markets.
Commending Uzbekistan’s ongoing reform agenda, Begaj said the country has become increasingly attractive to global investors and reaffirmed Albania’s readiness to deepen economic ties and share expertise for mutual benefit.
Russia Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Investment Cooperation
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin reiterated Moscow’s commitment to strengthening economic and investment cooperation with Uzbekistan and the broader Central Asian region.
Mishustin highlighted the steady growth of Russian-Uzbek relations, supported by strong political dialogue and expanding cooperation in strategic sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, technology, and digital transformation.
He noted that Russian companies continue to expand their investments in Uzbekistan through joint projects in infrastructure, industry, and energy, while expressing Russia’s willingness to participate in future initiatives aimed at accelerating economic development and regional integration.
Describing the Tashkent International Investment Forum as a key platform for fostering partnerships and launching new investment projects, Mishustin praised its growing international stature and contribution to regional economic cooperation.
Platform for Investment and Innovation
Recognized as Uzbekistan’s premier investment event and one of the most influential economic forums in Central Asia, TIIF 2026 features an extensive program of high-level discussions, sector-focused panels, business-to-business meetings, and investment showcases.
The accompanying exhibition highlights opportunities across key sectors including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, technology, and artificial intelligence.
Organizers expect the forum to result in the signing of numerous investment agreements, memoranda of understanding, and strategic partnerships, further strengthening Uzbekistan’s position as one of the region’s most attractive destinations for international investment and economic collaboration.
