Keeping Pace with the World

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev with the Presidents of Bulgaria and Slovakia

Some photographs capture the spirit of the times—they reflect the face of a nation and its movement toward the future. One such image shows President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev entering the hall of the International Investment Forum alongside the presidents of Bulgaria and Slovakia, heads of government from neighboring countries, and leaders of respected international financial institutions. This moment has become one of the defining symbols of recent developments.

The symbolic gesture conveys an atmosphere of diplomatic parity, a clear trajectory in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, and the country’s confident stride toward openness, mutual respect, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The world is changing. In an era of geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and increasing risks, trust-based relations between states are a rare phenomenon. Yet Uzbekistan is proving itself a reliable partner—a platform for dialogue that meets the challenges of the present moment, a country of open opportunity for those who support peace and development.

Over the past eight years, Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has undergone a fundamental transformation—both in outlook and in practice. The country is no longer focused solely on domestic issues but is actively seeking to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with its neighbors while jointly addressing regional and global challenges.

The effectiveness of this approach is reflected in the numbers: in just eight years, Uzbekistan’s trade with Central Asian countries has more than tripled, reaching nearly $13 billion.

The country’s gross domestic product continues to grow steadily. In 2024, investments totaled $35 billion, while exports reached $27 billion. And this is only the beginning: by 2030, Uzbekistan aims to increase these figures to $200 billion.

On every international platform, President Mirziyoyev consistently champions the principles of peace, cooperation, and the primacy of human dignity. Thanks to his initiatives, Uzbekistan is becoming not only a destination for investment but also a space of trust, stability, and human values.

Over the past five years, the country’s standing in international rankings has significantly improved. In the Index of Economic Freedom, Uzbekistan climbed 48 positions, and in Harvard’s Economic Complexity Index, it rose by 28—clear evidence that the country is on the right path.

The goal of Uzbekistan’s leader is clear: to transform Central Asia into a region of peace and prosperity. This is why he calls on all partners to foster an investment climate that generates not only profit, but also serves the interests of people and the development of society.

These noble principles form the foundation of a new foreign policy in Uzbek diplomacy. For foreign investors who come to the country with good intentions, the state provides all necessary conditions, offers comprehensive support, and guarantees the protection of their activities.

This is why Tashkent is becoming not just a point on the map, but a true hub of political dialogue, economic partnership, and cultural exchange.

The image of the leaders entering the forum hall shoulder to shoulder is more than just a photograph. It marks a new chapter in Uzbekistan’s diplomacy—a historic imprint of a nation striving for peace, progress, and equal movement alongside the rest of the world.