As of the first half of 2019, the amount of per capita investment in Uzbekistan is $105. These data were presented in a report to the Senate by the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade (MIFT).

According to information provided by the MIFT Deputy Minister Alisher Abdualiyev, in 2019, through the implementation of 604 projects, it is planned to attract investment in the amount of $9,1 billion. In the first half of 2019, investments in the amount of $3,5 billion were mastered. In particular, $63.2 million were attracted to the social sphere, tourism and pharmaceuticals, and $203.5 million – to the agriculture and agro-processing industry.

“Following the results of the H1, the amount of per capita investment is $105. By the end of the year, it is planned to increase this amount to $188,” Alisher Abdualiyev says.

According to the ministry, in January-June 2019, 1,779 enterprises of the republic produced export products totaling $605 million.

The implementation of serious positive changes in the field is hampered by problems in the banking and financial systems, Abdualiyev said.

“The role of the bank in business development, implementation of investment projects is very significant. Support should be provided for private equity investment. Here the role of banks does not meet the requirements. Reforms were carried out in the system of prosecution and customs. However, the assistance of banks in the increase of trade turnover, development of entrepreneurship, is not felt. This is also noted by the entrepreneurs themselves. In this regard, the ministry is studying the activities of banks at places,” he explained. 

For information, according to the World Bank statistics, in 2018, $95,77 million direct investments were attracted to Uzbekistan, $107,27 million – to Tajikistan, $53,39 million – to Afghanistan, $4,654,21 million – to Kazakhstan.