Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On February 11–12, 2025, Laziz Kudratov, the Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan took part in the World Government Summit 2025 during his working visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Background: The World Governments Summit was established in 2013 under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai. Since then, the organization and its leadership has continued to champion the mission of shaping future governments and creating a better future for humanity.

The summit’s partners include global organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), OPEC, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Islamic Development Bank, the International Labour Organization, and the World Economic Forum. Additionally, the summit brings together leading international companies, including VISA, Qualcomm, Google, Amazon, IBM, Mastercard, M2, SAP, Schneider Electric, AWS, Roblox, Dubai Investments, Cordiant, DFM, Salik, Khazna, and others.

During the session of the "Future of Economy Forum" titled "The Rise of New Industrial Policy," Laziz Kudratov highlighted key aspects of Uzbekistan’s economic development that have positioned the country as a leading investment hub in Central Asia. He emphasized Uzbekistan’s commitment to economic openness and sustainable growth despite global challenges.

He particularly underscored Uzbekistan’s efforts in diversifying trade partnerships and enhancing regional economic integration; pursuing WTO accession; developing high-tech industries, including renewable energy, green hydrogen production, and IT technologies; investing in infrastructure and Free Economic Zones (FEZs) and supporting digital transformation and innovation.

The Minister also drew attention to Uzbekistan’s investor-friendly environment, ongoing liberalization of foreign investment laws, widespread privatization of state assets, digital governance initiatives, and the modernization of the education system.

On the sidelines of the summit, Laziz Kudratov held meetings with key UAE officials, including the Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazroui, as well as executives from major regional and international companies. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, implementing joint investment projects, introducing innovations, and strengthening industrial cooperation in priority economic sectors.

Overall, the summit reflected a strong sense of trust, optimism, and commitment from UAE businesses toward further expanding their presence in the Uzbek market.