Uzbekistan aims to attract $1 billion in fintech investments by 2030

The Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, met on August 19 with the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan, Rashad Mamedov. During this meeting, the parties closely examined the current dynamics of bilateral trade and the level of investment interaction between the two states.

According to data, in 2025, the volume of trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan reached $307.3 million, representing a growth of 14.6 percent. Furthermore, from January to June 2026, the trade turnover amounted to $170.3 million, exceeding the figures for the same half-year of the previous year by 30.8 percent.

Significant attention was paid to developing the necessary documents to deepen the partnership. These include a 'Roadmap' for implementing the achieved agreements and a special Program aimed at increasing mutual trade turnover to the mark of $1 billion by 2030.

In addition, the participants discussed the organizational aspects of the upcoming 4th Uzbek-Azerbaijani Interregional Forum. The event is scheduled for August 22 in Tashkent and will serve as a platform for strengthening business and regional ties between representatives of both countries. Following the negotiations, the next stages of work to support investment initiatives and develop interregional contacts were outlined.

In the first half of 2026, 338.9 trillion soums were invested in the economy and social sphere of Uzbekistan. This figure exceeds the amount invested during the same period last year by 17.5%.

The largest volume of investment was directed to the industrial, agricultural, and construction sectors. According to data from the National Committee on Statistics, industry became a priority area for investors, accumulating 100.5 trillion soums.

Following in terms of funding volume were agriculture, forestry, and fisheries with an amount of 32.9 trillion soums, as well as construction, which received 32.5 trillion soums. Another 29.9 trillion soums was allocated to the production and distribution of electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning.

Investments in housing construction amounted to 27.3 trillion soums, and 21.8 trillion soums were directed to mining. Significant funds were also allocated to transportation and storage (16.3 trillion soums), wholesale and retail trade, and car and motorcycle repair (13.7 trillion soums).

In the field of water supply, sewerage, waste collection, and processing, 7.4 trillion soums were invested. Education received 7.2 trillion soums, and information and communication received 5.8 trillion soums. 5.6 trillion soums went to services related to accommodation and food.

Professional, scientific, and technical activities, as well as healthcare and social services, received 4.6 trillion soums. Financial and insurance activities attracted 2.4 trillion soums, and 2 trillion soums were allocated to art, entertainment, and recreation. The remaining 24.4 trillion soums were distributed among other areas.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan previously held the first place in the global ranking for venture capital growth rates. Over the past year, the volume of funding attracted by startups increased by an impressive 539.7%, which is the highest indicator among all countries.