Minister Kudratov: Tashkent International Investment Forum, starting in two days, is a milestone for the region – Interview

The Tashkent International Investment Forum, considered by many to be the largest investment conference in Central Asia, is about to begin. We had the chance to interview Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, about the event:

Daily News Hungary: The Tashkent International Investment Forum will take place on 2-3 May in Uzbekistan. Can you tell us why this is an unmissable event for decision-makers in the business sector?

Minister Kudratov: The Tashkent International Investment Forum is a milestone event for the region. As the biggest conference in Central Asia, it is a key vehicle in identifying and sourcing investment opportunities across a number of key sectors including: renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, mining and the digital economy.

The Forum provides foreign investors a gateway into New Uzbekistan: the big country with big opportunities. Its objective is to accelerate Uzbekistan’s growth and development, aligned with the “Uzbekistan 2030” strategy, which includes increasing Uzbekistan’s GDP to $160 billion and attracting $250 billion investment into the country. 

Since the inaugural event in 2022, The Forum has contributed to the transformation of Uzbekistan’s economic prospects and progress, with foreign direct investment and development finance both increasing, along with marked growth in clean energy investment and landmark international debt market success. 

Daily News Hungary: Who will be the key speakers at the event? 

Minister Kudratov: The Forum will be opened by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Dignitaries from across the world are due to attend, with keynote speakers including Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan; Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan; Muhammetgeldi Serdarov, Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan; Ibraev Taalaibek Omukeevich, Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic; Almassadam Satkaliyev, Minister of Energy of the Republic Kazakhstan; Daler Juma, Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan; Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef; Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman; Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri Minister of Economy, UAE and the Mihály Varga, Minister of Finance, Hungary.