Uzbekistan Attracts $8.7 Billion in Foreign Investment in First Quarter of 2025 – Media Reports

Uzbekistan attracted $8.7 billion in foreign investment during January-March 2025, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period last year, official Uzbek media reported on Tuesday.

"These funds have been dedicated to implement important projects in industries such as energy, metallurgy, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, transport, agriculture, water management, utilities and the social sector. Special significance has been attached to generating value added and creating new jobs," the report said, The Caspian Post reports citing Interfax.

Investment, Industry and Trade Minister Laziz Kudratov informed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev that over $18 billion in foreign investment should be disbursed in the country in the first half of the year. Uzbekistan plans to attract $42 billion in foreign investment and implement 81 major and over 8,000 medium-sized and small projects in 2025.

The president issued instructions to ensure targeted work on each project and engage the relevant ministries, agencies, and local administrations in promptly addressing whatever issues emerge in the process.

"The president particularly emphasized the need for close interaction with each investor amid the ongoing economic volatility in the world. He said priority should be given to promptly launching new investment projects, diversifying the industrial sector, and creating high-income jobs," it said.

Foreign investments in Uzbekistan grew 60% to around $35 billion in 2024.