Tashkent attracted $4.3bn in foreign direct investment and loans during the first six months of 2026, marking a 50% increase compared to the same period last year, as the Uzbek capital recorded the country's fastest regional economic growth and accelerated industrial output, exports and job creation.
According to the Tashkent city administration, the investment inflow was directed toward expanding production capacity, increasing export potential, creating new jobs and boosting domestic manufacturing.
During the reporting period, Tashkent's gross regional product reached UZS 226 trillion ($17.8bn), growing 13.3% year-on-year and exceeding the official forecast of 11.2%, making the capital the fastest-growing region in Uzbekistan.
Industrial production rose to UZS 109.6 trillion ($8.6bn), up 8% compared to the first half of 2025, meeting the government's annual target.
A total of 249 investment projects worth $657.5mn were launched across the city during the first six months of the year, creating approximately 9,800 new jobs.
Exports also increased sharply. Tashkent-based enterprises exported goods worth $1.55bn, representing a 43% increase compared to the same period last year.
Under the localization program, 77 projects were implemented, generating UZS 4.9 trillion ($386mn) worth of products—equivalent to 148% of the planned target. The projects are aimed at replacing imports with locally manufactured products, strengthening domestic production and reducing manufacturing costs.
The localization projects also generated $121.6mn in exports, reflecting the growing competitiveness of locally produced goods in international markets, the city administration said.
Earlier, the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum concluded with the signing of 166 investment agreements worth a combined $43.1bn. According to the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade, the results demonstrated that international interest in Uzbekistan is increasingly translating into concrete investment decisions, sector-specific projects and long-term partnerships.
