Uzbekistan's FTZ: The Broadest Network and New Ambitions

FTZ News: Uzbekistan has turned itself into one of Central Asia’s most aggressive players in 2026 with an expansive network of free economic zones. A country once known for its closed economy now operates 47 free economic zones hosting nearly 1,400 investment projects. With 7.7 percent economic growth in 2025 and a population approaching 40 million, the government is rewriting its place in global supply chains.

A Network That Keeps Expanding

Official figures show Uzbekistan currently runs 47 active free economic zones spread across almost every region. These zones host roughly 1,400 investment projects. Chinese companies alone are carrying out about 200 projects valued at approximately $4 billion. Investors from Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, India, and Russia also maintain a strong presence.

Uzbek officials stress that the era of competing solely on tax breaks is over. Infrastructure, transparent governance, access to skilled labor, and logistics connectivity now top the priority list. This shift reflects market reality: investors no longer chase tax holidays alone. They want environments where real production and sustainable exports can take root.

A Special Offer Aimed at Americans

In June 2026, Uzbekistan’s minister of investment, industry and trade proposed creating a dedicated special economic zone exclusively for U.S. companies during a U.S.-Uzbekistan business forum. The stated goal was to build a platform where American firms would feel at home—clear rules, modern infrastructure, streamlined bureaucracy, and direct government support. Four priority sectors were highlighted: critical minerals, fertilizer production, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.

The proposal comes as global supply chains continue to reconfigure and Western companies search for alternatives to heavy reliance on China. Uzbekistan is positioning its mineral wealth and strategic location as a serious option.

Financial and Tech Centers Under English Common Law

One of the boldest moves is the planned Tashkent International Financial Center. The zone will operate with zero profit tax, value-added tax, property tax, and customs duties. It will run under English common law. Free capital movement and the ability to make payments in any currency are guaranteed. The aim is to attract financial firms, fintech companies, and international investors who typically avoid post-Soviet legal systems.

At the same time, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the law establishing the Enterprise Uzbekistan International Digital Technology Center in August 2026. Located inside Tashkent’s IT Park, the center will operate under a special legal regime lasting until the year 2100. Targets through 2030 include attracting up to 1,000 companies, creating more than 300,000 jobs, and generating $5 billion in service exports. Focus areas include artificial intelligence, digital transformation, research and development, startups, and data centers.

Logistics: Closing the Missing Link

Uzbekistan understands that free zones without real sea access remain limited. That is why serious cross-border logistics plans are moving forward. A logistics center with 500,000-ton capacity is scheduled to open at Georgia’s Poti port in 2027. Work is also set to begin on the Anaklia deep-sea port project. Domestically, major transport and logistics hubs are planned for Alat, Termez, Yangiyul, Akhangaran, and Khanabad.

These steps form part of a broader push to make Uzbekistan a key node on the Middle Corridor, linking Central Asia through the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus to European markets.

Hard Realities and Remaining Challenges

Despite the impressive numbers, obstacles remain. Many free zones still face infrastructure gaps, unreliable energy supplies, and bureaucratic hurdles. Heavy reliance on Chinese investment creates the risk of over-dependence on a single partner. Attracting Western—especially American—investors will require deeper reforms in rule of law, contract transparency, and intellectual property protection.

A young, growing population and sizable domestic market are clear advantages. Without rapid skills upgrading, however, that demographic edge will not fully convert into economic opportunity. Officials have pledged to launch 105 new industrial and infrastructure projects worth $27 billion in 2026. Delivery on those projects will be the real test of government commitment.

Bottom Line: Big Opportunity, Limited Time

Uzbekistan today operates the broadest free-zone network in Central Asia, and its ambitions have moved well beyond tax incentives. The proposed U.S.-focused special economic zone, the English-law financial center, and the digital technology center with a 74-year legal horizon signal a serious bid to join the major leagues.

Competition is intense. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Gulf states are all strengthening their own positions. If Uzbekistan can turn its promises into operational reality—real infrastructure, stable rules, and a skilled workforce—it can emerge as one of the winners in the next decade’s supply-chain realignment. If not, today’s statistics will remain numbers on paper. The window to prove seriousness is open now./.