Delegation of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan explores AIFC’s experience in establishing and developing an international financial centre

On 21 June, a delegation from the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, led by Head of the Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva, visited the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The visit aimed to explore AIFC’s experience in establishing and developing an international financial centre.

During the visit, particular attention was given to AIFC’s institutional structure, legal framework, and regulatory model, as well as opportunities to expand investment and financial cooperation between the two countries.

AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov presented the Centre’s key areas of activity, including investment attraction mechanisms, capital market development initiatives, support for international projects, and innovative financial solutions for the region. It was noted that since its foundation, AIFC has facilitated the attraction of a cumulative USD 25.3 billion in investments into Kazakhstan. More than 5,800 companies from 90 countries are registered within the AIFC ecosystem. As of 1 April 2026, AIFC participants contributed KZT 317.4 billion in taxes to the state budget.

As part of the visit, the delegation also familiarised itself with the activities of the AIFC Court and the International Arbitration Centre (IAC). Representatives of the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) presented the Centre’s regulatory ecosystem, including its authorization and supervisory framework, tax advantages of the jurisdiction, opportunities for conducting cross-border operations, and the development of innovative financial instruments. The delegation also visited the AIFC’s cultural and educational space, the Museum of Trust, as well as the AIFC Expat Centre, which operates on a one-stop-shop principle and provides administrative support services to international AIFC participants.

Previously, in February 2026, another delegation from the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan visited AIFC to study the practical experience of establishing and developing an international financial centre as part of the creation of the Tashkent International Financial Centre (TIFC).

Cooperation between AIFC and Uzbekistan continues to develop actively in the areas of Islamic finance, green finance, sustainable finance, and capital markets. Regular mutual visits and participation in key industry events are also maintained. An important area of collaboration includes the preparation of analytical research and reports, such as “Strategies for Positioning Central Asia as a Unified Investment Destination” and “Capital Markets in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan: Prospects and Trends.”

Currently, 23 companies from Uzbekistan are registered within the AIFC jurisdiction. They operate across various sectors, including financial services and insurance, information and communication technologies, professional, scientific and technical activities, mining, and wholesale and retail trade.

Uzbekistan remains one of Kazakhstan’s important investment partners. Between 2005 and September 2025, the gross inflow of direct investment from Uzbekistan into Kazakhstan’s economy reached USD 75.6 million. During the state visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Republic of Uzbekistan, seven joint projects worth USD 1.2 billion were launched in the fields of industry, construction, petrochemicals, finance, logistics, and tourism.

Trade and economic cooperation between the two countries also continues to strengthen. In 2025, bilateral trade reached USD 4.8 billion, representing a 16.2% increase compared to 2024. Kazakhstan’s main exports to Uzbekistan include wheat, metal products, flour, and petroleum products, while Kazakhstan imports automobiles, fruit and vegetable products, and fertilizers from Uzbekistan.

The visit highlighted the importance of exchanging experiences and the sharing of best practices in strengthening the investment attractiveness of the Central Asian region.

Reference:

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and business meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. www.aifc.kz    

AIFC Press Office,

Ainur Issabayeva, press secretary

E-mail: [email protected]