TIIF 2026 Investment Push: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev used the Tashkent International Investment Forum to promise continued reforms and unveiled plans for a Tashkent International Financial Center with tax- and customs-free status, zero profit/VAT/property/customs duties, free capital movement, and an independent financial regulator. US-Uzbek Dealmaking: Mirziyoyev also met senior executives from major US firms and institutions, signaling deeper investment talks in strategic sectors ahead of the forum’s business agenda. Qatar at TIIF: Qatar’s commerce ministry joined TIIF to highlight opportunities in financial infrastructure, energy transformation, trade corridors, logistics, and industrial development. Islamic Finance Upgrade: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank outlined a three-stage rollout for Islamic finance, with Islamic microfinance growing to UZS 22bn in the first five months of 2026 and a push toward dedicated Islamic banking licensing and a dual banking model. Competition & Consumer Protection: Uzbekistan’s competition authority discussed cooperation with Turkic-state antimonopoly bodies on fair competition in digital markets and regulatory coordination. Uzbek–South Korea Clusters: Uzbekistan and South Korea agreed to new industrial clusters, including a biotechnology cluster and joint industrial zone, following bilateral talks at TIIF. Aviation & Connectivity: Qatar Airways said it will expand to 160+ destinations this summer, while new UAE route launches underline continued regional air connectivity.