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From fintech and smart cities to cross-border trade and women’s entrepreneurship, TIIF 2025 spotlighted innovation, infrastructure, and inclusion in Uzbekistan’s evolving economy.

Tashkent, 12 June 2025 – The Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF), organised by the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, hosted a series of dynamic panel sessions on 12 June, bringing together government leaders, industry pioneers, and international investors. The sessions covered key themes such as digital transformation, infrastructure development, international cooperation, and inclusive entrepreneurship.

In a session titled “Fintech and E-commerce: Creating a New Economy,” thought leaders explored Uzbekistan’s growing fintech ecosystem. Russia’s Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov shared lessons from Russia’s platform economy, while Uzum’s Co-founder Nikolay Seleznev showcased integrated platforms reshaping consumer access across Uzbekistan. Mehdi Paryavi of the IDCA emphasised the foundational role of data centres in powering the digital economy, comparing them to the oil refineries of the past.

Wildberries’ Artem Feoktistov highlighted Uzbekistan’s young, tech-savvy population as a driver for innovation, and Payme CEO Stanislav Skvirsky underlined the rapid shift to digital banking, citing Uzbekistan’s high smartphone and internet penetration.

The “Uzbekistan and Germany Investors and Business Council” roundtable underlined deepening bilateral cooperation. Abdulla Khursanov of AMMC discussed major mining projects involving German partners. Olaf Schmidt of Schachtbau Nordhausen noted the regional shift toward global mining standards, while KfW IPEX-Bank’s Ekaterina Galitsyna presented a new €100 million funding instrument for critical raw materials. Bakhodir Alimov of NBU highlighted investment opportunities in renewable energy, agribusiness, and cross-border infrastructure.

The future of urban development took centre stage in “From the Cradle of Renaissance to the Future of Construction.” David Fisher of Dynamic Architecture introduced the concept of rotating skyscrapers and offered to bring such innovation to New Tashkent. Philippe Dessoy of BESIX Group emphasised long-term cost-efficiency through quality construction. Spectrum’s Vladimir Ivanov discussed the values of the next generation, advocating for smart, human-centric urban design with access to green spaces, smart mobility, and sustainable infrastructure.

The panel “Bridging the Gap: Building Inclusive Ecosystems for Women Entrepreneurs” brought gender inclusion to the forefront. Nozimakhon Davletova from the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses. Representatives from UNDP, EBRD, and ADB reaffirmed the importance of inclusive ecosystems as a strategic economic advantage.

Lastly, the “Meeting of the Heads of Investment Promotion Agencies of the Turkic World” focused on cross-border cooperation. Deputy Minister Shokhrukh Gulamov presented Uzbekistan’s investor-friendly reforms, while regional IPA leaders explored collaborative strategies to attract sustainable FDI. Acting Director of Uzbekistan’s IPA, Mansurjon Rasulev, highlighted the tenfold increase in foreign investment since 2017 and reinforced the importance of visible reform execution.

TIIF 2025 concluded with strong momentum for deepening partnerships, scaling innovation, and advancing inclusive development across sectors.

Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters