Trade attracts foreigners to Uzbekistan

Trade Attracts Foreign Business to Uzbekistan

Trade has become the main area of presence for foreign business in Uzbekistan. As of September 1, 2026, there were 21,490 enterprises with foreign capital operating in the country. More than a third of them — 7,637 companies, or 35.5% — are in trade, according to the National Statistics Committee.

In terms of the number of enterprises, trade is significantly ahead of other industries. Industry comes in second place with 4,177 enterprises, which is 3,460 fewer. This is followed by information and communication with 1,840 enterprises, and construction with 1,769.

Accommodation and food services account for 945 enterprises with foreign capital, transportation and storage for 665, and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries for 541. There are 247 enterprises operating in healthcare and social services.

Another 3,669 companies belong to other types of economic activity.

Thus, trade accounts for approximately every third enterprise with foreign capital. In terms of the number of companies, it is almost 1.8 times ahead of industry and more than four times ahead of construction.

At the same time, foreign business continues to expand its presence in the country. Over the past five years, the number of enterprises with foreign investment has grown approximately 1.4 times. Simultaneously, the share of companies fully owned by foreign capital has increased.

The growth in the number of such enterprises is accompanied by a significant influx of foreign funding. In January–July 2026, the volume of utilized foreign investments and loans in Uzbekistan reached $32.9 billion. Of this amount, $30.3 billion was accounted for by foreign direct investments and loans.