In his keynote address at the Fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev unveiled a bold vision of Uzbekistan as a competitive, open, and responsible stakeholder in the global economy. His speech was more than a conventional appeal to investors — it was a carefully calibrated message signaling a maturing nation that sees itself not just as a regional hub, but as an emerging global player navigating turbulent geopolitical waters with pragmatism, ambition, and diplomacy.

Geopolitics and Moral Positioning: A Bolder Voice

Mirziyoyev’s early remarks stood out for their moral clarity and diplomatic nuance. While reaffirming Uzbekistan’s commitment to diplomacy in resolving the war in Ukraine, he also issued a firm denunciation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the death of innocent civilians as “unjustifiable.” His call for an independent Palestinian state and his defense of international law placed Uzbekistan among the few Muslim-majority countries in Central Asia to openly adopt such an assertive humanitarian position — a move likely to resonate across Arab, Islamic, and Global South audiences.

Moreover, his insistence on engaging Afghanistan constructively — rather than isolating it — reinforces Uzbekistan’s self-appointed role as a bridge-builder in regional diplomacy.

Economic Vision: The Fusion of Green, Digital, and Strategic Resources

Economically, the speech outlined an ambitious development strategy built around five core pillars:

1. Green Energy Transition: With a planned $4 billion investment in power grid modernization and a pledge to increase green energy’s share to 54% by 2030, Uzbekistan positions itself at the regional forefront of climate-responsive development. The launch of green certificates and entry into global carbon markets marks a rare proactive move for a post-Soviet state.
2. Digital and AI Economy: Mirziyoyev sees digital technologies not as supplements but as new economic “drivers.” With plans to expand IT exports fivefold and build 20 major data centers, the country is clearly aiming to become a Central Asian tech hub. The “One million AI leaders” initiative echoes similar programs in India and the UAE, signaling a soft power play through digital capacity-building.
3. Financial System Overhaul: The proposed Financial Stability Council and new reinsurance platforms show a desire to deepen institutional capacity and attract high-quality capital. Mirziyoyev’s focus on venture capital and “alternative investment funds” reflects a pivot toward innovation-driven finance rather than reliance on state-led models.
4. Technological Minerals and Industrial Sovereignty: With subsoil assets valued at $3 trillion, Uzbekistan is leveraging its untapped mineral wealth to position itself as a key player in the “Fourth Industrial Revolution.” The offer of rent tax exemptions for full-cycle operations is a clever incentive to attract downstream investment — not just raw material extraction.
5. Privatization and WTO Accession: The most concrete and potentially transformative announcement was the formation of a $2 billion National Investment Fund, managed by Franklin Templeton, signaling international credibility. The pledge to complete WTO accession by 2026 shows intent to anchor Uzbekistan within the rules-based global trade system.

Regional Diplomacy: Central Asia as an “Integrated Investment Region”

Mirziyoyev used the forum to elevate Central Asia from a post-Soviet afterthought to an emerging economic bloc. The presence of five regional heads of government underscored growing interdependence, while projects like the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway promise real connectivity.

His call for new international financial instruments to support regional megaprojects was a diplomatic appeal to multilateral banks, echoing Global South demands for more inclusive development financing.