MUSCAT, June 17. /Dunyo IA/. Leading Omani economic analyst Yousuf Al-Balushi shared his insights with Dunyo IA on the 5^th Tashkent International Investment Forum, which is being held in the capital of Uzbekistan from June 16^th to 18^th:

-  Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) stands as a vital economic and geopolitical event not only for Uzbekistan, but for the entire Central Asian region. The forum has already become an effective platform for expanding investment cooperation in the region, establishing new production chains and attracting international capital.

It should be noted that Oman's leading integrated logistics company, “Asyad Group”, in cooperation with “Orient Group” and the Uzbek-Oman Investment Company “UzOman”, has acquired controlling stakes in two major logistics operators in Uzbekistan: “Universal Logistics Services” and “Highway Logistics Center”. These assets cover approximately a quarter of the country's rail container transport and manage high-end warehouse infrastructure.

For landlocked Uzbekistan, this deal is viewed not merely as an investment, but as a strategic logistics corridor that expands opportunities for accessing foreign markets. For Oman, it presents an opportunity for direct access to the rapidly growing Central Asian market.

The economy of Central Asia, particularly that of Uzbekistan, has demonstrated high growth rates in recent years. In 2025, the country’s GDP growth reached 7.7 percent, and for 2026, it is projected at 6.4–6.8 percent. This positions Uzbekistan as one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.

Under such conditions, Central Asia is emerging as a region striving for the diversification of foreign trade routes and accessing global markets through new logistics corridors. Oman, owing to its port infrastructure and geostrategic position, acts as a natural partner in this process.

Cooperation between Oman and Uzbekistan is not new. Established in 2009, Uzbek-Oman Investment Company currently possesses a capital of 500 million dollars and assets exceeding 300 million dollars. It stands as one of the first major foreign investors in Uzbekistan, having invested approximately 200 million dollars in various strategic projects.

Today, dozens of joint projects with a total value of approximately 3.2 billion dollars are being implemented in the country, spanning petrochemistry, energy, agriculture, textiles and tourism.

Furthermore, crucial agreements are being executed to expand air connectivity, facilitate product re-exports, and strengthen business ties. The launch of direct flights between Muscat and Tashkent elevates this cooperation to a qualitatively new level.

Investments by “Asyad Group” enable the integration of Uzbekistan's logistics system with the ports of Oman. Consequently, cargo from Tashkent can now access the markets of the Persian Gulf, Africa, South Asia and Europe via the ports of Sohar, Salalah and Duqm.

Of particular significance is the fact that the ports of Duqm and Salalah are situated outside the Strait of Hormuz, which mitigates geopolitical risks in global trade. This ensures high stability and security for the logistics routes.

This corridor aligns with Oman’s “Vision 2040” strategy and contributes to the diversification of the nation's economy, reducing its dependence on oil. For Uzbekistan, it unlocks opportunities for integration with new transport routes, including the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the future Trans-Afghan corridor.

The new logistics system generates substantial economic opportunities for both sides. Omani companies gain access to the Central Asian market, while Uzbek manufacturers obtain a gateway to global export routes.

This is of vital importance not only for large corporations, but also for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). New markets are emerging in the sectors of logistics, processing industry, fintech, halal production, construction materials and tourism.

Cooperation between Oman and Uzbekistan extends beyond the framework of a conventional bilateral investment agreement, transforming into a strategic economic bridge connecting Central Asia with the Indian Ocean.

This corridor accelerates the movement of goods, capital and services through logistics, air connectivity, and institutional partnerships. Most importantly, it fosters deeper integration of the region into the global trading system.