PRIORITY STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS FOR INCREASING FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT INFLOWS INTO THE ECONOMY OF UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

This article examines the priority strategic directions for increasing the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the economy of Uzbekistan in the context of sustainable economic development. The study emphasizes the role of FDI in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly through its impact on economic growth, technology transfer, employment creation, and institutional development. A mixed-methods research design is applied, combining theoretical analysis, statistical comparison, and empirical evaluation. The empirical analysis is based on official statistical data of the Republic of Uzbekistan covering the period from 2020 to 2024. The results indicate a generally positive and stable upward trend in FDI inflows during the analyzed period. However, the findings also reveal that the effectiveness of FDI in contributing to sustainable development depends not only on the volume of capital inflows but also on the structural composition of investments, the proportion directed toward fixed capital, the intensity of technology transfer, and the quality of the institutional environment. Based on the empirical evidence, the study proposes strategic approaches for better aligning FDI policies with the SDG framework and offers practical recommendations aimed at improving national investment policy. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of how FDI can be more effectively utilized to ensure balanced, inclusive, and sustainable economic development in Uzbekistan.