TASHKENT, February 17. /Dunyo IA/. Today, “UK - Uzbekistan Infrastructure Conference”, organised by the Department for Business and Trade, was successfully held in the Uzbek capital, serving as a high‑level platform where policymakers, government representatives, state‑owned enterprises, investors and leading British and Uzbek companies convened to discuss practical cooperation opportunities in priority infrastructure sectors, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

This Conference marks a strategic step forward in presenting Uzbekistan’s long‑term infrastructure development agenda to the international community, and in deepening reliable partnership with the United Kingdom. It creates a new platform for engagement in the regional and global investment landscape, further reinforcing Uzbekistan’s appeal as an attractive destination for global capital.

The event focused on key strategic sectors that are central to Uzbekistan’s development vision, including transport infrastructure (with an emphasis on railways and airports), urban development and construction, energy, water and healthcare infrastructure, as well as project financing and public‑private partnership (PPP) models - all of which align with the Government of Uzbekistan’s long‑term strategic priorities.

The Conference programme included the following core sessions:

- A panel on making transport infrastructure, including railways and airports, investable for international capital;

- A session on urban planning and digital construction tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital twins;

- Practical discussions on what makes projects bankable and attractive for investment;

- “Fireside chat” segments on essential sectors including energy and healthcare infrastructure.

This agenda underscored Uzbekistan’s readiness to engage with global investors and deliver infrastructure projects through trusted, innovative cooperation frameworks.

The Conference was opened with a welcome address by Timothy Smart, British Ambassador to Uzbekistan. Following this, the keynote address was delivered by Lord John Alderdice, the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia - a senior figure within the UK’s diplomatic and commercial engagement network established under the Trade Envoy Programme.

In his remarks, Lord Alderdice highlighted the expanding bilateral trade and investment relationship between the UK and Uzbekistan, and emphasized the strategic potential for cooperation across key infrastructure sectors. His role as Trade Envoy underscores the UK Government’s commitment to facilitating trade and investment links that open new markets, foster shared prosperity and support sustainable development.

A senior representative of the Government of Uzbekistan provided a comprehensive overview of the nation’s infrastructure development priorities, flagship projects, and areas where international participation, including British expertise and investment, can play a meaningful role.

One of the Conference’s principal themes was creating conditions to attract investment into transport, urban development, energy and healthcare infrastructure. Panel discussions examined the role of international financial institutions in de‑risking projects, managing investment risk and structuring bankable projects, including through PPP frameworks.

Both local and international experts shared insights on innovative financing mechanisms, contemporary approaches to project delivery and Uzbekistan’s competitive advantages as a destination for long‑term infrastructure investment.

The Conference served not only as a venue for practical exchange, but also as a strategic forum shaping a shared vision for cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom. It reinforced Uzbekistan’s rising profile on the global infrastructure investment map and contributed to expanding a bilateral partnership built on mutual interests and long‑term engagement.

At the conclusion of the event, participants engaged in dedicated B2B meetings and specialised seminars that laid the groundwork for tangible agreements and joint initiatives aimed at advancing infrastructure development and commercial cooperation.