Uzbekistan has taken first place in the Eurasian region in terms of the volume of attracted mutual investments. According to the Eurasian Development Bank, the country has accumulated more than $10.7 billion, which is 22% of the total investment flow in the region. Against this background, Uzbekistan is simultaneously increasing its own investment activity abroad — capital exports have doubled in a year and reached $396 million.
In general, mutual investments between the countries of Eurasia updated the record, increasing to $48.4 billion, despite the overall decline in global flows of direct investment. The key driver of growth was private business, which accounts for 72% of all investments, or $34.7 billion. The region is gradually reducing its dependence on commodity industries, shifting the focus towards manufacturing, the financial sector and construction.
Over the past 1.5 years, investments in the manufacturing industry have increased by $1.5 billion. Central Asia stands out in particular, where the volume of regional investments reached $1.3 billion, an increase of 42%. About 80% of the funds are directed to construction, industry and finance, while Kazakhstan remains one of the key investors: in 1.5 years, its investments in Uzbekistan increased by 60%.