BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Uzbekistan’s central
bank and Singapore-based Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)
have launched a new international forum aimed at positioning the
Central Asian nation as a regional hub for financial technology and
innovation.


This was stated in a report issued by Montfort Eurasia.


The inaugural Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum will take
place in Tashkent on Aug. 24–26, bringing together policymakers,
regulators, investors and industry leaders from Central Asia, the
Gulf region and beyond, according to a joint announcement by the
Central Bank of Uzbekistan and GFTN.


The forum is part of Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to develop
its fintech sector and attract foreign investment as the country
seeks to strengthen its role in the region’s digital economy.


Uzbekistan's fintech sector has expanded in recent years,
supported by growing digital adoption, a population of more than 37
million, and increased activity in the startup ecosystem. Under its
long-term development plans, the country aims to attract $1 billion
in investment, train more than 5,000 specialists, license over 200
market participants, and support more than 100 startups by
2030.


The three-day event will focus on five key areas: open banking,
digital assets and stablecoins, cross-border payments, Islamic
finance, and innovation and investment.







Organizers said the forum will be held under the theme
“Al-Jabr,” a reference to the Arabic concept that gave rise to
algebra and a tribute to the renowned mathematician Al-Khwarizmi,
who was born in present-day Uzbekistan.


The initiative is being launched in cooperation with GFTN, a
nonprofit organization established by the Monetary Authority of
Singapore to promote financial innovation and international
cooperation.


“Innovation flourishes when trust, talent and capital converge,”
said Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO of GFTN. “The Silk Road Finance &
Technology Forum provides a timely platform to connect global
expertise with regional ambitions.”


The forum will be co-hosted with Ant International and join
GFTN’s network of global events, which includes major fintech
gatherings in Singapore, Zurich and Japan.


Organizers expect the event to serve as a platform for
strengthening international partnerships and accelerating the
development of Central Asia’s financial technology sector.