Uzbekistan will hope to boost its already surging foreign direct investment (FDI) at the third annual Tashkent International Investment Forum, announced for May 2-3 at Tashkent City Congress Hall.

Central Asia’s second largest economy recorded a 93% gain in FDI to $19.5bn in 2023, while foreign trade turnover hit an all-time high of $62.6bn.

Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov said: "The Tashkent International Investment Forum is an opportunity for us to showcase the immense potential and diverse investment opportunities that Uzbekistan offers.

“In 2022, The Forum was attended by over 2,000 major investors and high-ranking officials from 56 countries worldwide. Contracts and investment agreements worth $7.8 billion were concluded.

“2023 saw even greater success, with 2,500 participants from 70 countries. As a result, 164 contracts were signed representing $11 billion in value. In 2024, those numbers are expected to be exceeded".

The gathering will explore investment opportunities available in sectors including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, mining and the digital economy.

Government officials said they are expecting at least 95 high-profile speakers, including ministers and global business leaders, and more than 2,500 delegates at the event.

Key partners of the forum include the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), ACWA Power and e-commerce and fintech unicorn Uzum.

To register for the forum, visit www.tiif.online. You can watch a promotional video here.