Uzbek investment in foreign assets surges 33-fold in first quarter

Uzbek residents invested $153.1 million in foreign assets in the first quarter of 2026, a 33-fold increase from $4.7 million a year earlier, according to the country's central bank.

Uzbekistan's balance of payments data showed the record increase was driven by the abolition, effective Jan. 1, of the requirement to obtain government approval for investments in the United States, Caliber.Az reports, citing Uzbek media.

For comparison, outbound investment totalled $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2024 and $4.7 million in the same period of 2025.

During the first quarter of 2026, non-residents invested $702 million in Uzbekistan, down from $761.7 million a year earlier but above the $380.1 million recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

From Sept. 17, 2026, investment opportunities will also be expanded beyond the United States.

Individuals will be allowed to invest up to $10,000 annually without government approval, while companies will be permitted to invest up to $200,000 if they have no state ownership and up to $100,000 if they have a state stake.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov