Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Within the framework of the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2025), the Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, continues an active agenda of bilateral meetings and the signing of key agreements aimed at strengthening economic ties and advancing strategic initiatives.

During talks with Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, the sides discussed specific measures to intensify cooperation in trade, industry, agriculture, transportation, and logistics. The meeting concluded with the signing of two significant documents: a Preferential Trade Agreement and a Cooperation Program in Trade, Economic, and Industrial Fields for 2025–2026.

A major milestone was also the dialogue with Nobumitsu Hayashi, Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), which is considered a strategic partner in developing Uzbekistan’s private sector. The joint investment portfolio has reached US$3.7 billion, covering energy, telecommunications, petrochemicals, and infrastructure. The two sides explored the expansion of public-private partnerships and non-sovereign financing mechanisms, including projects involving Toyota Tsusho, NEC, and Sumitomo.

Special attention was given to JBIC’s participation in solar and wind power plant projects in the Samarkand and Karakalpakstan regions, as well as the construction of an 800-bed multidisciplinary hospital in Samarkand in cooperation with Sojitz Corporation. Investment in the healthcare facility is estimated at US$250 million.

In addition, Minister Kudratov took part in the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and the OPEC Fund for International Development, totaling US$500 million. The memorandum aims to support and stimulate Uzbekistan’s private sector from 2025 through 2030. To date, 16 joint projects worth nearly US$375 million have been implemented, with another eight initiatives totaling over US$292 million currently underway.

Tourism development was another major focus of the forum agenda. An agreement was signed with Azerbaijani company Agalarov Development for the construction of the large-scale, year-round Sea Breeze Uzbekistan resort in the Bostanlyk district of Tashkent region. The project’s total investment volume is estimated at US$5 billion. The resort will span 577 hectares, with 100 hectares to be developed in the first phase.

The new resort is expected to become a vital element of Uzbekistan’s tourism infrastructure, creating a substantial number of jobs and serving as a catalyst for attracting international visitors. Both parties confirmed their commitment to the effective implementation of the project and expressed mutual interest in further expanding their bilateral partnership.

Laziz Kudratov’s agenda at TIIF-2025 continues, underscoring Uzbekistan’s determination to consistently improve its investment climate and deepen international economic cooperation.