ISLAMABAD, June 23. /Dunyo IA/. Popular Pakistani newspaper “Daily Spokesman” published an article titled “President of Uzbekistan highlights priorities for the country's investment development phase”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Publication places special emphasis on the significance of the initiatives put forward by the President of Uzbekistan during his address at the plenary session of the 5^th Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF).

The article notes that the forum focused on the theme “Investment Sustainability: New horizons and new partnerships”. Head of Uzbekistan emphasized that fostering a sustainable investment environment remains a crucial prerequisite for achieving the nation's long-term objectives.

In this context, six priority areas were outlined to further deepen investment cooperation and establish a modern ecosystem for business operations.

Specifically, the first priority focuses on further reinforcing the system of legal guarantees for investors. “Uzbekistan plans to establish the Tashkent International Financial Center, which will operate as a new institutional platform under a special legal regime. The center's participants will enjoy tax and customs incentives, guarantees for the free movement of capital, and the flexibility to conduct transactions in any currency”, - article highlights.

The outlet also reports on plans to introduce international arbitration mechanisms and a commercial court featuring foreign judges and international experts, alongside accession to the UN Singapore Convention on Mediation. “As a result of these comprehensive measures, investors will be guaranteed international legal protection directly within Uzbekistan”, - the newspaper quotes the President as saying.

The article underscores that in recent years, Uzbekistan has issued bonds exceeding 16 billion dollars on international markets and executed its largest IPO on the London Stock Exchange in five years. Efforts are ongoing to prepare additional companies for international capital market debuts, while the legal framework for alternative investment instruments is being established, including legislation on capital markets and investment funds.

According to the Pakistani newspaper, the launch of the sovereign Islamic bond program (Sukuk) will serve as an additional mechanism for drawing substantial investment into Uzbekistan's economy.