Uzbekistan is set to present investment projects worth approximately €75 billion to global investors at the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) 2026, as the Central Asian nation seeks to attract long-term capital for energy, transport, logistics, digital infrastructure, and industrial development. The forum, scheduled from June 16 to 18, is expected to draw more than 3,400 foreign delegates from 102 countries, alongside government officials, development banks, sovereign wealth funds, and multinational corporations representing over $42 trillion (€36.5 trillion) in combined assets.
Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, said: "We have prepared investment proposals with Uzbek businesses and regional authorities worth about €75 billion. Eight pitch sessions will allow entrepreneurs to present directly to investors." The forum comes as governments and businesses reassess supply chains, transport routes, and access to critical resources, with discussions in Tashkent focusing on attracting capital for projects across Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.
Strategic Sectors and Investor Engagement
The projects span sectors deemed strategic for long-term growth, including energy, transport infrastructure, logistics, industrial development, digital infrastructure, and advanced technologies. This year's theme, "Investment Sustainability: New Horizons, New Partnerships," emphasises critical raw materials, green energy, geological resources, and artificial intelligence. A digital platform has categorised more than 3,000 foreign companies by sector and investment priorities to connect international investors with Uzbek businesses and local authorities.
Dedicated pitching sessions will cover light industry, geology and resources, electrical and mechanical engineering, and chemical manufacturing. Additional discussions will address value-added manufacturing, export competitiveness, agribusiness and food security, and strengthening health systems and pharmaceutical innovation. Akram Aliyev, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, noted: "We have created an online platform connecting international companies with Uzbek businesses and local authorities."
The forum will also test how effectively investment commitments convert into operational projects. Kudratov reported that in 2025 alone, Uzbekistan absorbed about €39 billion in investments, with around 35% of previously signed projects already in implementation.
Record Participation and Growing US Presence
Organisers report a significant increase in participation compared with previous editions. Sixty-two government delegations are expected, up from 26 last year, and more than 370 representatives from international financial institutions and development banks will attend. The previous edition attracted over 8,000 participants, including approximately 3,000 international delegates from 97 countries. Shokhrukh Gulamov, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, said: "These numbers demonstrate that our partners and investors have confidence in the region."
Corporate participants include BlackRock, JPMorgan Chase, Visa, Masdar, Airbus, and Meta. A stronger American presence is expected, with more than 200 representatives from around 120 US companies. Aliyev highlighted that this year, the Chairman of the US Export-Import Bank and the head of the US International Development Finance Corporation are expected, addressing previous unresolved financing issues.
Regional Projects and Financing
Beyond individual agreements, TIIF 2026 will focus on projects extending beyond national borders requiring long-term financing from multiple partners. Gulamov stated: "We intend to present not only Uzbekistan's projects but also major regional initiatives and attract investment jointly with our neighbours." Initiatives include hydropower developments involving Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, cross-border electricity connections linking Central Asia with the South Caucasus, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, and the Trans-Afghan transport corridor.
Discussions will also cover the Middle Corridor, dry ports, and intermodal logistics hubs as governments and businesses seek to improve trade links between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Gulamov emphasised: "Large-scale regional projects require substantial financing, and sovereign funds can play a decisive role." Participants include the Oman Investment Authority, Standard Chartered, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase, and the Bank of China.
For European investors, the forum offers opportunities to engage with Central Asia's growing infrastructure and energy sectors, particularly as the EU seeks to diversify supply chains and secure access to critical raw materials. The region's strategic location along the Middle Corridor also aligns with European interests in alternative trade routes. As noted in Global Environment Facility Pledges €3.4 Billion for Climate, Biodiversity, and Water Security, international financing for sustainable projects is gaining momentum, and Uzbekistan's green energy initiatives could attract European capital.
Regulatory Reforms and Business Environment
Alongside investment discussions, TIIF 2026 will provide a platform for dialogue on regulatory reforms aimed at improving the business environment and expanding financing options. The Fourth Plenary Session of the Foreign Investors Council will bring together 75 major international companies operating in Uzbekistan, with more than 120 proposals submitted on taxation, legislation, and land-use regulation. These reforms are critical for European firms considering long-term investments in the region, as highlighted in Uzbekistan's UzNIF IPO: A Test for Corporate Governance in State-Owned Enterprises, which underscores the importance of governance standards for investor confidence.
As Uzbekistan positions itself as a hub for regional investment, the forum's outcomes will be closely watched by European policymakers and businesses seeking to deepen economic ties with Central Asia. The emphasis on sustainability and digitalisation aligns with EU priorities, potentially opening new avenues for collaboration in green technology and infrastructure.
