Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan Strengthen Economic Partnership Through New Investment Initiatives
2026-06-17 16:45:00 / News
As part of the 5th Tashkent International Investment Forum, a dedicated Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Business Forum was held on June 17, bringing together officials, economic zone representatives, development institutions, and business leaders to discuss industrial cooperation, investment opportunities, and joint development projects.
Discussions focused on improving the investment climate, expanding industrial production, strengthening logistics connectivity, and deepening regional economic integration. A key part of the forum was devoted to the development of special economic zones and their role in attracting investment, creating jobs, and supporting export-oriented industries.
Uzbekistan presented the experience of the Jizzakh Special Economic Zone, one of the country’s leading industrial platforms. Established in 2013, the zone currently hosts more than 50 investment projects and has created over 6,000 jobs. Between 2015 and 2025, resident enterprises produced industrial goods worth 45.9 trillion soums, while exports reached $260 million.
Ziyadin Sayidov, Director of the Jizzakh Special Economic Zone Directorate, outlined plans to expand the zone, develop new industrial and engineering infrastructure, and attract investment into information technology, healthcare, education, tourism, logistics, and service industries. He also highlighted the importance of green development initiatives, including solar energy projects and energy-efficient technologies.
The forum also showcased the development of specialized industrial zones in Uzbekistan. Among them, the Parkent-Pharm Free Economic Zone was presented as a growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology hub. The zone currently hosts 14 investment projects with a total value of $25 million. Seven projects have already been commissioned, creating more than 400 jobs. Once fully operational, the zone is expected to generate annual output worth 400 billion soums, create around 1,000 jobs, and export pharmaceutical products valued at up to $40 million per year.
The forum additionally highlighted several prospective joint initiatives involving Uzbek, Azerbaijani, and international investors. Among the projects under consideration are the construction of a modern exhibition center in Jizzakh and the development of a tourism complex near Lake Aydarkul.
The importance of logistics connectivity and regional transport infrastructure was also emphasized during the discussions.
“Uzbekistan’s geographic location is a significant advantage, but the key challenge is turning that advantage into economic value. This can be achieved through the development of modern multimodal logistics infrastructure,” said Abdulaziz Abdurakhmanov, Founder and CEO of Centrum Holding.
The Azerbaijani side presented its experience in developing industrial parks and free economic zones as tools for attracting investment and expanding industrial production. Officials highlighted the Alat Free Economic Zone, strategically located near the Port of Baku, as well as the country’s network of industrial parks, which currently host 154 registered enterprises and have created more than 20,800 jobs.
The forum underscored the expanding potential of Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan cooperation across industrial development, logistics, tourism, and investment promotion. Closer coordination between economic zones, businesses, and public institutions is expected to contribute to new investment projects, technology transfer, and stronger economic ties between the two countries.