Astana (TDI): Despite global economic challenges, Central Asia has witnessed growth in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), investment in the region soared by 27 percent, reaching $24.8 billion in 2024.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have become the main hubs of attraction for capital, offering investors considerable opportunities in the energy sector and green technologies.
Uzbekistan attracted 4 billion dollars in foreign investment, reflecting a 49 percent year-on-year decline.
However, it is actively developing sustainable environmental projects.
South Korea’s Western Power plans to construct a 152 million dollars biofuel plant in Fergana region.
The plant will process cotton stalks to heat greenhouses, which will replace coal and reduce emissions by 120,000 tons of CO2 over ten years.
This initiative reflects Uzbekistan’s policy of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and adopting “green” technologies.
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Kazakhstan maintained its status as the regional leader in attracting investment, accounting for 63 percent of Central Asia’s total FDI.
The country increased its investment inflow by 88 percent, reaching 15.7 billion dollars.
An important role was played by Qatari company UCC Holding, which poured 11 billion dollars in the construction of two gas processing plants, a compressor station, and new main gas pipelines.
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These projects strengthen the country’s role as a key energy hub in the region.
Kyrgyzstan registered the highest relative growth in investment, increasing by 310 percent to 2.1 billion dollars.
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan received 339 million dollars and 281 million dollars, respectively.
