Global Neighbours at the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum 2025

From June 9 to 12, a Global Neighbours delegation, headed by Chairwoman Jovanka Porsche, at the invitation of the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, attended the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) 2025. Both Ms. Porsche and Advisory Board Member Prof. Dr. Herta Däubler-Gmelin participated as panelists.

During the panel “Industry: Unlocking New Potential,” Ms. Porsche emphasized the transformative power of artificial intelligence and the importance of connecting visionary entrepreneurship with Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage. To underscore Central Asia’s role as a bridge between China and Europe, she introduced the upcoming Global Neighbours Train Project—a mobile lab and dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, investment identification, and a deeper understanding of complex interdependencies.

Additionally, Prof. Dr. Herta Däubler-Gmelin spoke on the panel “International Dispute Resolution in Uzbekistan: The Tashkent International Commercial Court,” where she discussed the impact of the newly established court. In particular, she emphasized that it could enhance investor confidence and provides an effective forum for resolving commercial disputes. 

The visit featured a packed agenda of high-level meetings. Notably, Ms. Porsche participated in the Foreign Investors Council meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and met with the German Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Manfred Huterer. The delegation also explored a large exhibition showcasing Uzbekistan’s vibrant investment landscape and toured the cutting-edge IT Park Uzbekistan, developed by the Ministry of Digital Technologies.

Additionally, the trip included several insightful side meetings, including a visit to the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, as well as discussions with various international think tanks, political foundations, and business-focused organizations like the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK).

The meetings clarified that Central Asia is pursuing its unique path toward regional integration and cooperation, aiming to enhance climate and environmental response capabilities while optimizing the use of the water-land-energy nexus. Digitalization, IT, artificial intelligence, vocational training, youth development, and job creation are key priorities for Uzbekistan.

Three takeaways from the forum:

• The host city, Tashkent, stands out with its many young citizens, reflecting the demographic trend of a rapidly growing population with an average age under 30. One of the major tasks of Uzbekistan is to create more jobs for its youth.
• While China and the Middle East were prominently represented at TIIF with substantial projects, Europe seemed fragmented, primarily making strategic declarations of intent.
• Green energy and tech innovation are on the rise: TIIF 2025 has also highlighted Uzbekistan’s dual ambition to become both a leader in green energy and a regional tech hub. Significant foreign investments in renewables and the increasing presence of venture capital in digital transformation emphasize the country’s push for sustainable, innovation-driven development.

With nearly 8,000 attendees, including about 3,000 international guests from 97 countries, TIIF 2025 emerged as a landmark event and a vital platform for fostering international business partnerships.