Uzbekistan expands foreign investment and deepens bilateral ties with Belarus

Uzbekistan is strengthening its economic links with Belarus through a series of joint projects. A new cable factory in the Akhangaran free‑economic zone, staffed by about 80 workers, now produces export‑oriented cables using Belarusian technology. In Nurafshon, Belarusian tractors are assembled locally, with over a thousand units built and increasing domestic component content. Uzbek investors have also moved livestock operations to Belarus’s Vitebsk region, while Belarusian food and spice products gain popularity in Uzbekistan.

At the same time, the UNCTAD World Investment Report notes that foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Central Asia rose to $5 billion in 2025, driven largely by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan attracted significant solar and wind projects funded by Chinese and Saudi investors, while China’s East Hope Group announced a non‑ferrous metals project in Kazakhstan valued at more than $12 billion. Extractive industries, metals, energy, transport, chemicals, food and ICT remain the dominant sectors for new greenfield projects across the region.