Naguib Sawiris, a prominent Egyptian businessman, expressed his admiration for Uzbekistan during an interview, highlighting both the warmth of its people and the disciplined nature of its society.
Sawiris, who has visited Uzbekistan several times, compared the country’s culture to Japan, with its combination of hospitality and discipline.
He also emphasized his emotional connection to the country, citing both its people and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as key drivers for his business investments.
Sawiris praised Mirziyoyev's hands-on approach in encouraging foreign investment.
Unlike many other leaders, he explained, the Uzbek president actively engages with investors to support economic growth.
This direct involvement reassures investors that any challenges or bureaucratic hurdles will be addressed, creating an ideal environment for economic prosperity.
Sawiris participated in the Tashkent International Investment Forum, where he commended the flawless organization of the event, which, in his view, reflected positively on Uzbekistan's overall business climate.
He believes Uzbekistan offers significant investment opportunities, particularly in industries such as agriculture and mining, which remain underdeveloped.
One of Sawiris' key projects in Uzbekistan is the construction of the country's first sugar factory.
The factory, once completed, will drastically reduce the country's reliance on sugar imports, create thousands of jobs for local workers, and provide new income streams for Uzbek farmers.
The Egyptian businessman also highlighted the potential for investment in Uzbekistan's mining and tourism sectors, both of which he believes offer promising returns.
In closing, Sawiris expressed his deep respect for President Mirziyoyev's leadership and his optimistic outlook on Uzbekistan's future as a global economic hub.
He also shared words of encouragement for Uzbekistan's continued independence as the country approaches its Independence Day.