(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 19. Tashkent hosted the 5th interim session of the Foreign Investors Council, which discussed issues related to removing investment barriers, strengthening interagency coordination, and priority areas for 2026, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade.

The session was chaired by Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov and moderated by Andi Aranitasi, EBRD Managing Director for Central Asia. The event brought together senior representatives of international companies, financial institutions, and government agencies.

During the meeting, progress achieved by the Council's eight Working Groups was reviewed, including more than 40 initiatives aimed at updating corporate legislation, introducing responsible business standards, and enhancing capital-mobilisation mechanisms.

Investors also presented proposals related to tax administration, land allocation, and energy planning. Following the discussions, participants agreed on further steps to accelerate the implementation of previously adopted commitments.

The session endorsed a strategic package for 2026, covering AI development, ESG practices, human capital advancement, the creative economy, and regional cooperation. The agreements will be formalised in an official protocol and will serve as the basis for the Action Plan ahead of the next plenary session.

Meanwhile, the EBRD has invested 5.57 billion euros in Uzbekistan to date across 193 projects, with the majority of those funds supporting private entrepreneurship, contributing to the country's economic development.

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