Tashkent secures $4.3bn in H1 investment as growth outpaces Uzbekistan

Tashkent secures $4.3bn in H1 investment as growth outpaces Uzbekistan
Central Asian Expocentre, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan

Tashkent attracted $4.3 billion in foreign direct investment and loans during the first half of 2026, reinforcing its position as Uzbekistan’s leading destination for investment as the capital continued to outpace the national economy.

Investment inflows between January and June were 1.5 times higher than during the same period last year, according to the Tashkent city administration.

Capital leads Uzbekistan in economic growth

Tashkent recorded the fastest economic growth of any region in Uzbekistan during the first half of the year. The city’s gross regional product (GRP) reached 226 trillion soums (about $18.76 billion), growing by 13.3% — well above the projected 11.2%. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s national economy expanded by 8.5% over the same period.

Industrial production totalled 109.6 trillion soums (approximately $9.1 billion), up 8% year on year and meeting the government’s target.

Hundreds of new investment projects launched

The capital launched 249 investment projects during the first half of the year, with new production facilities worth $657.5 million already commissioned.

The projects created 9,800 new jobs, supporting employment and expanding the city’s industrial base.

Exports by Tashkent-based companies also posted strong growth, reaching $1.55 billion, a 43% increase compared with the first half of 2025.

Localisation programme boosts manufacturing

Officials said 77 projects were implemented under Uzbekistan’s localisation programme during the reporting period.

The projects generated 4.9 trillion soums (roughly $406.6 million) worth of goods, exceeding the planned target by 48%. Exports of locally produced goods reached $121.6 million.

The city administration said the localisation initiatives are helping to expand import-substituting production, strengthen cooperation between domestic enterprises, create new jobs and support the development of Tashkent’s economic infrastructure.

What is driving investment into Tashkent?

The New Tashkent development project, including the construction of a new satellite city and the planned relocation of government ministries, is expected to increase demand for both commercial and residential property.

Authorities are also developing an International Financial Centre, which is expected to operate under English common law, feature an independent judicial system and offer 50-year tax incentives, providing greater legal certainty for international investors.

In addition, businesses operating in the Tashkent Special Economic Zone benefit from preferential tax and customs regimes designed to attract manufacturing, logistics and innovation-focused companies.

The latest investment figures build on momentum generated by the recent Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026, now in its fifth edition. The forum concluded with 166 agreements worth a record $43.1 billion.

Officials say these measures, combined with sustained economic growth and rising investment inflows, are strengthening Tashkent’s position as one of Central Asia’s leading investment destinations.

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