Uzbekistan hosted the Tashkent International Investment Forum, attracting 7,500 delegates and €26 billion in signed deals. The event highlighted new reforms, strategic partnerships, and major sectoral investments.
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The fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum drew 7,500 delegates from 100 countries and secured over €26 billion in signed projects across energy, agriculture, infrastructure, digital tech and mining.
“Uzbekistan’s financial services are on a surprisingly high level – in digitalization even ahead of parts of Western Europe – and we see a fast‑growing need for financing new projects and SMEs,” said Laszlo Wolf, Director at OTP Bank Nyrt.
“For us, this is a fast‑growing market with big opportunities. We are already active in funding new projects and investments, and we see the SME sector as a key driver of growth. Beyond that, sustainability has become a core condition for any project we finance. That is why we are focusing on sectors like solar and wind energy and supporting investments that can deliver long‑term value. Over time, we also plan to expand beyond Tashkent, bringing fast working‑capital and investment loans to entrepreneurs in all major cities, contributing to deeper financial inclusion and stronger economic momentum in the region. For OTP, entering Uzbekistan is part of a wider strategy to strengthen our presence in Central Asia and play a meaningful role in shaping its evolving financial landscape”.
Uzbekistan’s economy has doubled in size over eight years, and the country is positioning itself as a hub for green energy and digital connectivity. Bulgaria and Slovakia strengthened diplomatic ties, with Slovak Deputy PM Denisa Saková urging Europe to look east for new markets.
Private investment in SMEs and renewables took centre stage, alongside a $5 billion commitment from Data Volt to make Uzbekistan a regional digital hub. Education and workforce development were also flagged as key drivers of long-term economic growth.