China leads foreign corporate footprint in Uzbekistan with over 5,800 businesses

The current figures represent a strong year-on-year expansion, with the total number of foreign-backed entities increasing by 3,870 compared to the same period in 2025. Data reveals a strong preference for wholly or majority foreign-owned corporate structures, with 15,421 companies registered as foreign enterprises, while the remaining 4,500 operate as joint ventures with local partners.

An analysis of the capital distribution highlights China as Uzbekistan's largest corporate partner by a wide margin, accounting for 5,821 businesses. Russia follows in second place with 3,349 entities, and Turkey maintains a robust third-place standing with 2,237 operational companies.

The regional neighborhood also plays a significant role in the domestic marketplace. Kazakhstan ranks fourth with 1,283 enterprises, making it the highest-performing Central Asian state on the list. Other regional partners include Afghanistan with 673 firms and Tajikistan with 442 companies.

East Asian and Middle Eastern investments continue to expand their institutional footprints as well. South Korea has 721 registered entities, while Azerbaijan and the UAE have established 460 and 433 companies, respectively. India rounds out the top ten foreign corporate contributors, backing 413 operational enterprises across various sectors of the economy.