Dr Ashraf Khodjaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Qatar, in conversation with Business Leaders Qatar.
Dr Ashraf Khodjaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Qatar, in an exclusive conversation with Business Leaders Qatar, reflects on his career path, Qatar’s multi-pronged investments in Uzbekistan, and the roadmap of bilateral relations between the two countries.
About the interviewee: Dr Ashraf Khodjaev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Qatar. Uzbekistan’s first resident Ambassador in Doha, appointed in early 2024.
A Career Built on Diplomacy and Economic Engagement
Dr Ashraf Khodjaev has a long diplomatic career spanning analytical roles to economic diplomacy — a journey that has given him both a diverse perspective and a deep appreciation of how international relations are shaped in practice.
A defining chapter was his service in Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions in New York and London. In his words: “Those years were an invaluable school — professionally and personally — and played a key role in shaping how I approach diplomacy today.”
At the beginning of 2024, Dr Khodjaev reached an important milestone — appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and becoming Uzbekistan’s first resident Ambassador in Doha.
“I consider myself particularly fortunate — not only to serve in a country as wonderful as Qatar, but also to become Uzbekistan’s first resident Ambassador in Doha. It is a historic moment, and one I see not just as an honour, but as a responsibility. I am proud to contribute to deepening the partnership between Uzbekistan and Qatar and to building lasting bridges between our countries.”
Establishment of the Diplomatic Mission in 2023
The relationship between Uzbekistan and Qatar has gained remarkable momentum in a relatively short period — a development that reflects, above all, the strong political will and forward-looking vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and His Highness The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Since the establishment of Uzbekistan’s diplomatic mission in Doha in 2023, bilateral ties have entered a new phase — more structured, more active, and increasingly results-oriented. High-level engagements have become more frequent and substantive, signalling a shared commitment to elevating the partnership and translating it into concrete cooperation.
Economic cooperation has become more targeted and pragmatic, with a clear focus on energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital technologies — sectors where both countries see clear complementarities and opportunities.
“Facilitating business partnerships and enabling investment flows has become a central priority. Another important dimension is the growing emphasis on people-to-people connections. There is a recognition that long-term partnerships are not built on economics alone, but on mutual understanding — through education, culture, and direct human exchange.”
A Strong Investment Pipeline
Dr Khodjaev is clear on what investment means in this context: “What matters is not just the volume of investment, but the signal it sends — and Qatar’s early investments are sending a strong one.”
A notable example is the entry of Nebras Power, a leading Qatari international energy company. “Its involvement marks an important milestone, particularly in the strategically critical energy sector. Through its participation in power generation projects, Nebras Power is contributing to the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s energy infrastructure — supporting growing demand while also advancing efficiency and the adoption of more sustainable technologies. Beyond the projects themselves, this kind of engagement plays an important role in building confidence for other international investors.”
The investment pipeline is expanding further, with projects currently under discussion across transport infrastructure, real estate, hospitality, education, agriculture, and IT.
Uzbekistan’s resource base adds further weight to its investment appeal. The country ranks second globally for gold, seventh for copper, eighth for tungsten, ninth for silver, 12th for uranium, and 16th for natural gas production. Since 2017, successful economic reforms have attracted over US$100 billion (QR364 billion) in foreign investments.
“To achieve the goal of doubling our GDP by 2030, our economy will require at least US$200 billion (QR728 billion) in investments. The direction is clear: from initial flagship investments toward a broader, more diversified, and increasingly dynamic partnership.”
Digital Technologies: From Institutional to Ecosystem
At Web Summit 2025, Invest Qatar signed agreements with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies — a development Dr Khodjaev describes with clear optimism. “The real shift is that this is no longer just institutional cooperation — it’s becoming an ecosystem play.”
“The agreements set the foundation, but the focus since then has been on building real pipelines — of companies, capital, and capabilities. What has emerged is a more structured, execution-driven engagement. There is now active work underway to connect Uzbek tech companies with opportunities in Qatar, while also positioning Uzbekistan as a competitive destination for Qatari tech investment and partnerships.”
Uzbekistan is rapidly transforming into a regional IT hub in Central Asia, targeting US$5 billion (QR18.2 billion) in IT service exports by 2030. Key advantages include zero corporate tax, zero VAT, and zero income tax for IT Park residents until 2040, alongside the Zero Risk Program offering free office space and equipment for foreign companies.
“One of Uzbekistan’s strongest advantages is its English-speaking talent pool. The country is rapidly developing a young, technically skilled workforce, particularly in software development and IT services. Discussions are moving beyond traditional IT outsourcing into higher-value segments — AI, fintech solutions, and emerging areas like tokenisation. The ambition is not just to participate in the digital economy, but to co-create within it.”
Roadmap of Bilateral Relations Between Qatar and Uzbekistan
Over the next two years, the focus will be on consolidating recent progress and advancing a more structured, implementation-oriented partnership across key sectors.
A primary objective is to further institutionalise political dialogue through regular high-level exchanges and the effective use of bilateral mechanisms, including the High-level Coordination Council for Strategic Partnership.
Expanding economic and investment cooperation will remain central, with particular emphasis on energy, infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, and mining — focusing on developing bankable projects and facilitating sustained investment flows.
Enhancing connectivity and trade facilitation is another key pillar — exploring efficient transport and logistics corridors linking Central Asia and the Gulf, and supporting private sector engagement through targeted business platforms.
Cooperation in the digital economy and innovation will be further advanced, building on engagements with Invest Qatar in information technology, financial technologies, and artificial intelligence, alongside collaboration in human capital development and startup ecosystems.
Strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties will also remain integral — expanding cooperation in education, tourism, and cultural exchange to foster long-term mutual understanding.
“Overall, the objective is to advance toward a comprehensive partnership that is institutionally grounded, economically substantive, and oriented toward practical, measurable outcomes.”
Why Qatar Appeals
Beyond the economics, Dr Khodjaev speaks warmly of Qatar itself. “What stays with you most about Qatar is not only what it offers, but how it makes you feel — a feeling shaped above all by its people. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of meeting individuals who are genuinely open, thoughtful, and welcoming.”
“I have also been struck by Qatar’s ability to balance tradition and progress. There is a strong sense of identity and respect for heritage, alongside a clear confidence in embracing the future. That balance is not always easy to achieve, and it is something I deeply admire.”
