Shavkat Mirziyoyev: “We guarantee the interests of every incoming investor”

“Our laws exist, our decisions stand firm, and all our recent efforts clearly demonstrate that we guarantee and will certainly ensure mutual benefits,” said President Mirziyoyev to the forum participants.

The President emphasized the importance of reliable rules that ensure equal conditions for every country within global production chains. “Undoubtedly, the World Trade Organization holds a special place in this regard. That is why next year we aim to become a member of this organization and are actively working with our partners to achieve this goal. We have already aligned dozens of laws and hundreds of standards with international requirements and plan to complete this work fully within the year.”

He outlined the introduction of a national regime that guarantees foreign investors the same conditions as local companies to foster a more favorable environment. The principle of a “single window” for interactions with government bodies has been established. Additionally, a system will be created to protect investment activities from excessive inspections. These steps are part of a plan to raise Uzbekistan’s credit rating to “investment grade” by 2030.

Regarding state-owned enterprises, Mirziyoyev noted that the country has chosen a path of transforming them into major assets that serve national prosperity. To this end, a National Investment Fund was established, consolidating nearly $2 billion worth of state shares in 18 major companies and banks. The reputable Franklin Templeton company was invited to manage the fund, with plans to launch an international IPO of its shares next year. Over the next two years, 29 state companies are slated for privatization with the help of professional consultants.

The President also stressed the strategic importance of transport and logistics, referring to them as the “arteries” of the economy. Private capital is increasingly involved in this sector. For example, the airports of Samarkand, Namangan, Bukhara, and Urgench have been transferred to capable investors under public-private partnerships. The world-leading Incheon company has been engaged to manage Urgench airport. Next year, tenders will be held for the airports of Nukus, Termez, Fergana, and Navoi.

Addressing urban development, Mirziyoyev highlighted that the capital’s population has exceeded 5 million. To accommodate growth, the “New Tashkent” city is being constructed for 2 million people, turning the capital into a metropolis. A multimodal hub integrating airport, rail, and road transport with an annual capacity of 20 million passengers is planned. Large state complexes and financial centers will rise there. The government invites investors, international financial institutions, and foreign banks to join this mega-project.

The President also praised the region’s new cooperation environment fostered by open and friendly policies with neighboring countries. “The participation of heads of Central Asian governments at this forum is clear proof of this progress,” he said. Over the past eight years, trade turnover with neighbors has increased more than 3.5 times, reaching nearly $12 billion.

Major investment projects are underway, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway construction. Significant work is also being done on large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. “Overall, we propose promoting the concept of a unified investment and trade zone in Central Asia.”

Mirziyoyev made a direct appeal to international organizations: “It is time to establish new financial mechanisms to support regional projects. Together, we can transform Central Asia into a zone of peace and development.”

He concluded by emphasizing that this forum, now in its fourth edition, has expanded its format with a specialized exhibition featuring Uzbek companies presenting projects and joint initiatives. “For us, investment is not just a financial resource. It means technology, knowledge, skilled personnel, integration into global production chains — real progress.”

“Uzbekistan creates all necessary conditions for foreign investors who come with such noble ideas. We fully support and guarantee them. All doors are always open to you in our country. Most importantly, Uzbekistan has laws to protect your activities, a government open to dialogue, and a hardworking people ready to cooperate!”

“Thanks to the experience we have gained, our main task today is to find a worthy project for each investor present at this forum. I sincerely thank every investor, foreign government, and international organization representative for coming. I have instructed my entire team that the interests must be mutual. We guarantee the interests of every investor who comes here. Our laws and decisions, and everything we have done in recent years, clearly prove this.”

“Therefore, dear investors and honored guests, we guarantee and will certainly ensure mutual benefits. I wish you all success and achievements. Once again, welcome to Uzbekistan!” President Mirziyoyev concluded.

The forum’s plenary session also featured speeches from Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adilbek Kasymaliev, Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Turkmen Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerbai Ataguliev, as well as Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank, and Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.