The number of female entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan has significantly increased, growing sevenfold since 2020 to exceed 2 million. These women are transforming the country's economy, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening communities. Women like Dilorom Yuldasheva (sewing business), Saida Yusupova (founder of Tech4Impact), and Diana Kurbanova (CEO of UzFranchise) serve as examples of those who have achieved success in their respective fields.
Japan's startup ecosystem is focusing on deep technologies and mobility. Companies like Tier IV (autonomous vehicles) and Sakana AI (generative AI) are attracting significant investments. Universities are also serving as engines of innovation in fields such as quantum computing, laser synthesis, and regenerative medicine.
Between 2017 and 2025, the volume of direct investments and credits attracted from Turkey to Uzbekistan's economy reached 9 billion dollars, with 2.6 billion dollars planned to be attracted in 2025 alone. Currently, 2,137 enterprises with Turkish capital are operating in Uzbekistan, accounting for 11.8 percent of the total number of enterprises with foreign investment. These companies are active in priority sectors such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.
Turkey added 2.1 GW of solar energy capacity in the first half of 2026, bringing the total capacity to approximately 26.9 GW. In June, solar energy constituted 16.5% of the country's electricity production, setting a new record. The country aims to achieve 120 GW of solar and wind energy capacity by 2035.
Turkey's manufacturing sector is undergoing a significant digital transformation, adopting Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing to increase efficiency and productivity. Initiatives like MEXT support enterprises in this transition and enhance competitiveness.
Malaysia's digital economy recorded approved digital investments totaling RM 66.22 billion in the first half of 2024, surpassing the total figure for 2023. This growth created 25,498 new jobs. The country aims to become an AI nation by 2030 and is investing in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum research. Digital investments are projected to reach a record RM 163.6 billion in 2024, solidifying Malaysia's reputation as a regional technology hub.
Japanese companies, including Nippon Koei and Tokyo Metro, are actively expanding smart city projects in Asia and Africa. These initiatives utilize advanced technologies to address urban challenges such as transportation, environment, and logistics. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is also participating in the creation of smart city roadmaps in cities like Siem Reap.
The UAE government is implementing significant reforms to attract foreign investors and expand their opportunities. These measures include the right to 100% foreign ownership, the expansion of the "Golden Visa" program, and the simplification of investment policies.
Starting from 2026, Uzbekistan will annually host the “Young Entrepreneurs” championship, where up to 100 projects can receive investments of up to 1 billion soums. The government aims to increase venture investments to $2 billion and create up to 5000 startup projects by 2030. The "Future Entrepreneur" program allocates an additional $200 million for young entrepreneurs.
Abu Dhabi has unveiled a $25.5 billion HELM cluster, designed to foster advanced developments in life sciences by integrating artificial intelligence with biotechnology, pharmaceutical innovations, MedTech, and digital healthcare. This initiative positions Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and research.
Since 2020, the number of women entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan has increased sevenfold, exceeding 2 million. Women like Dildora Olimova (agribusiness) and Ruzigul Anorkulova (export-oriented food products) are successfully developing their businesses and contributing to the country's economy. Within the framework of the "Empower Women" project, with the support of the European Union, women are being trained to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and start businesses.
