The volume of foreign investments and loans attracted to Uzbekistan in January-March 2019 amounted to $1.2 billion, which is 91.2 percent more than the same period last year, Trend reports with reference to State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan.

The highest growth rates are observed in the Jizzakh region, where the inflow of foreign investments increased 20.7 times.

Almost all regions of the country recorded an increase in foreign investments and loans. The flow of investments has declined only in Bukhara region. In monetary terms, the largest amounts were provided to the Kashkadarya and Navoi regions, over $473 million and $236 million respectively.

Most of the investments from abroad were made in the form of loans (over $946 million), of which $887 million were provided under the guarantee of the state. Direct investments amounted to $284 million.

In the first quarter of 2019, about $3.5 billion was spent, mainly due to centralized sources of financing (41.8 percent share) including, among others, state budget funds and the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan.

The share of foreign investment is barely more than a third of the total disbursed funds. Slightly less than a third of the investment falls on the money of enterprises and the population.

In August last year, International Investment Forum was held in the region. It resulted in signing 28 agreements and memorandums worth over $800 million including $600 million of foreign direct investments.