As international trade grows and cross-border money flows increase, Uzbekistan's financial infrastructure is forced to evolve in order to connect with neighboring economies. However, experts note that turning the country into an independent financial hub of Central Asia remains a task rather than an accomplished fact.
The scale of Uzbekistan's international economic activity
According to the National Statistics Committee, Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover reached $81.2 billion at the end of 2025. Exports totaled $33.8 billion, while imports amounted to $47.4 billion.
Foreign trade turnover grew by 20.7% compared with the previous year. The country maintained trade ties with 210 states, and China, Russia and Kazakhstan remain its key partners.
Challenges for business and the financial system
For parties to foreign trade contracts, what matters critically is not only the price of the goods but also an understanding of every stage of settlement. It is necessary to consider how long an international settlement will take, in which currency it will be conducted, how many intermediaries are involved in the transaction and what requirements banks impose.
It is precisely the ability to handle such tasks that determines Uzbekistan's potential as a significant element of Central Asia's financial infrastructure.
