Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - The First Tashkent International Investment Forum will be held on 5-6 March. The architecture of the event involves discussions in three fundamental areas: "Openness for business", "Deepening regional ties" and "Using technological innovation, Dunyo reported.

Participants and potential investors will be able to familiarize themselves in detail with the investment potential of Uzbekistan. The second direction is “Deepening regional ties”, within the framework of the participants will consider the following key issues.

Transformation of trade flows in Central Asia and their capitalization

As Uzbekistan sets its sights on modernization, it becomes possible to expand regional and global trade ties, in particular, it becomes possible to create goods and services for the growing middle class in Asia. For example, only in 2018, bilateral trade with China grew by 35 percent, while more than 1000 companies invested in the economy of Uzbekistan.

However, to realize the full potential of the country, it is necessary to take measures to increase competitiveness in the field of trade. The main questions that need to be answered are: how can increasing production in the private sector and supporting small and medium enterprises, which currently account for more than 45 percent of output, help expand trade opportunities? What political measures and steps aimed at developing infrastructure are needed for Uzbek entrepreneurs to develop new markets?

Implementation of a new stage in the development of transport and logistics infrastructure

Uzbekistan occupies an advantageous position in the very center of the New Silk Road “One Belt, One Road” project, which is associated with a tremendous expansion of the logistics potential for transporting people and goods.

Participants will consider key priorities for the active development of rail, air and road passenger and freight transport and the importance of improving digital infrastructure for the modernization of logistics services, along with the most attractive financing models for expanding logistics potential.

The expansion of the presence of Uzbekistan in the oil and gas market

Uzbekistan seeks the most efficient use of the vast proven reserves of oil and gas and plans to bring new investments to the level of US$33 billion by 2025 to modernize outdated infrastructure and make the industry a strong player in international energy markets.

However, the key task remains the creation of partnerships that will help the country acquire the necessary technologies to increase efficiency. Participants will have the opportunity to assess the potential for increasing oil and gas exports in the coming decade and discuss the next steps for restructuring and modernizing the industry.