« If I were young today, I would quit my job, find a good idea, and become an entrepreneur here in Uzbekistan. »
This striking statement, made by the United Kingdom’s Investment Minister during the Tashkent International Investment Forum, captured the growing confidence that international investors are placing in Uzbekistan’s future.
Today, Uzbekistan is one of the fastest-growing economies not only in Central Asia but also in the wider world. While economic growth in many European countries struggles to reach 2 percent, Uzbekistan continues to record annual growth of around 7 percent, attracting increasing attention from global investors and business leaders.
Much of this remarkable transformation has taken place under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Since assuming office in 2016, he has embarked on an ambitious programme of reforms aimed at modernising the country, opening its economy, improving governance and creating a more attractive environment for investment.
The reforms have touched virtually every sector, from public administration and infrastructure to education, digitalisation, healthcare and foreign investment. Uzbekistan has also strengthened cooperation with its neighbours, helping to transform Central Asia into a region of greater stability and economic opportunity.
At the Tashkent International Investment Forum, participants repeatedly highlighted the progress achieved over the past decade. The event brought together investors, government officials and business leaders from around the world to explore opportunities in energy, technology, infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals.
The atmosphere throughout the forum reflected a sense of optimism and confidence. International companies increasingly view Uzbekistan not only as an emerging market but as a country with a clear vision for the future and the political leadership necessary to implement long-term reforms.
Challenges undoubtedly remain, as they do for every rapidly developing economy. Yet there is a growing recognition that Uzbekistan’s transformation is one of the most significant economic success stories in the region today.
For many participants in Tashkent, the message was clear: under President Mirziyoyev’s leadership, Uzbekistan is steadily positioning itself as a dynamic economic hub at the heart of Eurasia and a country whose influence is likely to continue growing in the years ahead.
