In the bustling realm of global economics and travel, the spotlight often falls on familiar destinations like London or Dubai, leaving lesser-known regions shrouded in obscurity. However, Ibrahim Khan, the visionary founder of Cur8 Capital venture fund, is challenging this oversight, urging investors and adventurers alike to cast their gaze towards Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.
“Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and the CIS countries are completely under the radar for most in the West,” Ibrahim Khan shared on LinkedIn.
Khan's assertion comes with compelling reasons. These nations are experiencing a demographic surge, with Uzbekistan alone welcoming 1 mn newborns annually. Such demographic dynamics, Khan suggests, are the early harbingers of a burgeoning middle class—a prime indicator for savvy investors seeking emerging markets.
Yet, Khan cautions against relying solely on GDP rankings to gauge these nations' economic prowess. While they may not rival the financial powerhouses of London or Dubai, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and their CIS counterparts boast hidden reservoirs of wealth, often unaccounted for in official records. What awaits the discerning visitor or investor, Khan insists, are modern, thriving urban landscapes characterized by development and cleanliness.
While Khan initially ventured into these territories for business purposes, he quickly recognized their untapped potential for leisure and exploration. Tajikistan, he enthuses, harbors some of the world's most breathtaking and untouched mountain landscapes, with an estimated 90% of its terrain offering spectacular vistas.
Meanwhile, cities like Samarkand and Bukhara are steeped in the rich tapestry of Islamic history, promising an enriching cultural experience for intrepid travelers.
In the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index released by the World Economic Forum, Uzbekistan secured the 78th position, while Kazakhstan emerged as a leading figure in the Central Asian region, surpassing its neighbors in T&T development. Tajikistan followed closely at 99th place, with Kyrgyzstan trailing at 102nd.
During the first two months of 2024, Uzbekistan witnessed a surge in foreign visitors for business purposes, with 16,900 international guests recorded. This marked an increase of 11,500 individuals compared to the corresponding period in 2023, reflecting a threefold rise.
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