ISLAMABAD, June 16. /Dunyo IA/.  Professor at Bahria University in Islamabad Adam Saud, shared his insights with Dunyo IA regarding the 5^th Tashkent International Investment Forum, scheduled to be held in the capital of Uzbekistan on June 16–18^th:

-  The 5^th Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) is regarded as a significant economic and geopolitical milestone, not only for Uzbekistan but for the entire Central Asian region. The forum has already established itself as an effective platform for expanding investment cooperation, structuring new production chains and attracting international capital to the region.

From Pakistan's perspective, this forum opens up vital opportunities for deepening economic integration between Central and South Asia. In particular, the implementation of projects in the spheres of transport and logistics corridors, energy, the digital economy, agriculture and industrial cooperation will contribute to the further consolidation of the commonality of interests between the two regions.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has been implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, liberalizing the economy, and enhancing the role of the private sector. As a result, the country is becoming an increasingly attractive market for international investors. This is vividly demonstrated by the outcomes of the 2025 forum, which brought together over 8,000 delegates from 97 nations, with the total volume of signed investment agreements reaching an impressive USD 30.5 billion.

The policy of Uzbekistan focused on developing trans-regional connectivity is also of particular significance for Pakistan. In particular, the Trans-Afghan Railway project, the creation of logistics centers, and the development of trade corridors are designed to link the potential of Pakistani seaports with Central Asian markets. This will allow for an increase in mutual trade volumes, a reduction in transport costs, and the strengthening of regional economic resilience.

In addition, the 5^th Tashkent International Investment Forum serves as a vital platform for identifying new formats of cooperation amid global economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and rising geopolitical tensions. The core priorities of the forum - encompassing sustainable development, industrial co-operation, innovation, and the green economy - fully align with the long-term economic interests of Pakistan.

In conclusion, it can be noted that TIIF-2026 will further solidify Uzbekistan's positioning as the premier investment hub of Central Asia and unlock new horizons for economic integration between Central and South Asia. I am confident that the decisions adopted and agreements signed on the sidelines of the forum will serve as vital drivers for the region's future economic development.