IMF highlights Uzbekistan’s potential as a regional trade and logistics hub

Thanks to its advantageous geographical location and strengthening economic ties with neighboring countries, Uzbekistan has significant potential to become one of Central Asia’s leading trade and logistics hubs. This would help expand regional trade, attract investment, and strengthen economic connectivity among countries in the region.

Koba Gvenetadze, Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Uzbekistan, made the statement during a roundtable discussion on the IMF’s November 2026 Regional Economic Outlook for the Caucasus and Central Asia.

According to him, Uzbekistan’s central location and shared borders with all other Central Asian countries create favorable conditions for deeper regional integration and the development of trade routes between Asia and Europe.

He also emphasized that Uzbekistan’s economic growth and expanding cooperation with neighboring countries could positively impact the development of the entire region. In particular, stronger trade ties would help expand export markets, create additional opportunities for investors, and stimulate economic activity.

As a concrete example, Koba Gvenetadze cited the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway construction project. In his assessment, developing such transport corridors opens new opportunities for international trade and strengthens Central Asia’s connectivity with major global markets.

Aziza Alimova, UzA