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Market cycles: leveraging seasonal trends with Octa Broker


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – Understanding the rhythm of financial markets can give traders a significant edge. Seasonalities—lasting trends that repeat themselves during some periods of the year—tend to influence the value of assets and the overall market state. Identifying these cycles allows traders to adapt their strategies better and make more informed decisions. In this material, experts at global broker Octa explain how traders can integrate seasonal insights into their strategies for better timing and stronger risk management.

Octa Broker

Understanding seasonal patterns

Seasonality in the financial markets refers to anticipated fluctuations which recur annually, influencing asset prices and market behaviour. Several phenomena well documented outline this phenomenon:

‘Sell in May and go away’

The stock market typically performs poorly between May and October compared to the November-to-April period. Historically, individuals who reduced equity exposure in May and returned in November normally experienced better returns. However, it is important to remember that market tendencies may change even though this pattern has been observed.

The January effect

The January Effect is a situation where the prices of stocks, particularly small-cap stocks, rise more during January than any other month. This often happens due to investors selling shares in December for tax-loss harvesting and subsequent reinvestment in January, which results in higher demand and, therefore, higher prices. Although the effect has weakened over recent years, it remains a topic of interest for traders.

Santa Claus rally

This phenomenon indicates the rise in stock prices during the last five trading days of December and the first two of January. While the causes are unsure, holiday-season optimism and institutional investors closing out their books may be reasons behind this rally. A lack of a Santa Claus Rally activity can occasionally predict a bearish future for the upcoming year.

Commodity seasons

Seasonal trends also occur in commodity markets. Oil prices, for instance, rise ahead of increased usage during the summer driving season as refineries produce more prior to increased usage. Prices then fall in September as usage decreases. Similarly, farm commodities like wheat and corn experience seasonal price trends because of planting and harvesting patterns.

Recent observations in late 2024 and early 2025

In late 2024, the traditional Santa Claus Rally did not occur. The S&P 500 experienced a 0.2% decline over this period, marking a departure from the typical year-end uplift. This absence raised concerns among investors about potential market softness heading into 2025. ​

The January Effect appeared subdued in early 2025. Small-cap stocks, which traditionally benefit from this phenomenon, showed modest gains. The SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) recorded a 9.8% increase over the past year as of 6 January 2025, compared to the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust’s (SPY) 25.4% gain, indicating a lag in small-cap performance. ​

Applying seasonal patterns in trading

Developing strategies based on a variety of factors

Basing trading on seasonal trends involves analysing past results to identify recurring patterns. However, one must pair this tactic with other types of analysis so that irregularities and extraneous factors are considered. For example, seasonal patterns can be blended with technical signals to determine the best entry and exit points. If a trader observes a seasonal pattern in a commodity to rise and a related buy signal from a technical indicator like a Moving Average crossover, this convergence can support the rationale of the trade.

Applying risk management

While seasonality trends are helpful, they are not always accurate. The market may change the bullish or bearish trajectory because of fundamental factors. ‘For example, in 2018, there was no Santa Claus Rally. In December 2018, the S&P 500 fell by nearly 10%, marking one of the worst Decembers since the Great Depression. This was due to fears of a global economic slowdown and rising trade tariffs.’ — adds Kar Yong Ang, financial market analyst at Octa Broker. In such cases, risk management involves conducting a thorough analysis and applying moderate position sizes and tools like stop-loss orders.

Seasonality analysis platforms

Dedicated websites like Seasonsax can provide traders with detailed analysis of seasonal patterns and trends, enhancing their analysis and decision-making. For example, Seasonsax studies historical data to identify recurring trends and anomalies that may affect asset value.
Seasonal trends can offer traders an advanced insight into market dynamics if comprehended and factored into trade strategies. Traders make more informed choices by combining historical insights with technical analysis and sound risk management. One must continue to learn and be responsive because market conditions continually evolve. Staying current is the key to maintaining a competitive edge.

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Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision.
Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Transformative Venues. Gracious Hospitality. Elevating the Art of Convening, at Pan Pacific Singapore.

SINGAPORE, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nestled in the vibrant heart of Singapore’s Marina Bay precinct and central business district, the iconic Pan Pacific Singapore stands as a symbol of sophistication and gracious hospitality. A distinguished choice for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), the hotel boasts a range of facilities and services tailored to meet the needs of discerning business travellers.

Pan Pacific Singapore
Pan Pacific Singapore

Melvin Lim, General Manager of Pan Pacific Singapore shares, ‘Since opening our doors in 1986, our hotel has built a storied legacy as one of the pioneering luxury hotels in the Marina Bay area. With 790 elegantly designed guestrooms, we have become a preferred venue for global leaders and prestigious events. Our hotel’s commitment to excellence is reflected in our expansive 2,329 square metres of meeting spaces across three levels, all equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and innovative culinary experiences.’

Guests can unwind at the award-winning spa, St. Gregory or relax by the outdoor swimming pool. The 24-hour gymnasium provides guests with the flexibility to maintain their fitness routines. Culinary enthusiasts will find a diverse array of dining options, including signature cocktails and canapes at PLUME, authentic Cantonese dishes at Hai Tien Lo, traditional Japanese cuisine at Keyaki, and international fare at Edge and Pacific Emporium.

In celebration of Singapore’s 60th National Day (SG60) this year, the hotel offers tailored SG60 MICE packages infused with Singapore flair, available from now until 31 March 2026. Each refreshment break is a feast for the senses, featuring a vibrant selection of Singaporean delicacies. Indulge in local favourites, prepared à la minute at the Chef’s live station, such as Kaya Toast (A beloved and iconic local breakfast staple originating from Singapore, Kaya Toast consists of two thin slices of toasted bread spread with rich coconut jam and butter), freshly-made Popiah (Part of Singapore’s street food culture with roots in China, these soft spring rolls are filled with a flavourful mix of fresh ingredients, including prawns, eggs, and crunchy vegetables), Nyonya Kueh (Colourful traditional treats that reflect Singapore’s unique Peranakan heritage, often made with rice flour and filled with sweet or savoury fillings), Kopi Tarik (Hailing from Malaysia, Kopi Tarik or ‘Pulled Coffee’ in Malay, is a popular beverage made with coffee and condensed milk, using a unique ‘pulling’ technique to create a frothy, milky texture), and more. These local culinary offerings not only elevate the experiences of meeting delegates but also highlight Pan Pacific Singapore’s commitment to commemorating Singapore’s 60th National Day.

A full day meeting package is priced from S$155.00++ per guest and includes lunch and two refreshment breaks. For those with shorter agendas, a half day meeting package is available from S$140.00++ per guest and includes lunch and one refreshment break. More details here.

With a legacy of hospitality excellence, Pan Pacific Singapore is the premier destination for those looking to harness the power of in-person interaction. Here, distinguished events blend elegance and innovation to create memorable experiences.

Furthermore, the hotel is committed to sustainability, holding GSTC certification, ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems certification, ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety certification, and the BCA Green Mark Gold award. This ensures that meetings and events hosted at the hotel not only meet the highest standards but also support safe and environmentally responsible practices.

For more information, visit www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina/meetings.html, or email sales.ppsin@panpacific.com (Quote SG60).

Pan Pacific Singapore – where sophistication and elegance converge to redefine the art of convening.

View our MICE images here. For more information about Pan Pacific Singapore, click here.

Fangzhou Designated as a 2024 National High-Tech Enterprise Amid Record Growth

BEIJING, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Beijing Fangyixing Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Fangyixing”), a subsidiary of China’s leading Internet healthcare solutions provider Fangzhou Inc. (“Fangzhou” or the “Company”) (06086.HK), has been certified as a 2024 National High-Tech Enterprise, solidifying its role as a pioneer in AI-powered healthcare innovation. The designation, jointly awarded by the Beijing Science and Technology Commission, Beijing Finance Bureau and Beijing Municipal Tax Service, recognizes Fangyixing’s strengths in core intellectual property, commercialization of scientific achievements, and robust R&D management.

Dr. Xie Fangmin, founder, chairman, and CEO of Fangzhou, commented, “This honor validates our long-term commitment to R&D and empowers us to further scale AI innovations within our H2H Smart Healthcare Ecosystem. We will continue to deepen collaborations with industry leaders and accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into accessible and life-changing healthcare solutions.”

Strong Financial Performance Driven by Robust Innovation

Fangzhou’s inaugural post-IPO annual results highlighted its dual trajectory of growth and innovation: 2024 revenue grew 11.2% YoY to RMB2.707 billion, while adjusted net profit increased by 139% YoY to RMB17.1 million. This significant growth reflects Fangzhou’s sustained investment in and focus on AI-enabled technologies as a core driver of business value and operating efficiency.

AI-Driven Growth and Strategic Vision

Fangzhou’s growth objectives are aligned with its deployment of AI models such as DeepSeek-V3 and partnerships with Tencent Health and Tencent Cloud to accelerate AI-driven healthcare solutions. Fangzhou will further strengthen its technological capabilities and accelerate the commercialization of innovations, with a goal of delivering improved user experiences for patients and customers.

About Fangzhou Inc.

Fangzhou Inc. (06086.HK) is China’s leading online chronic disease management platform, serving 49.2 million registered users and 223,000 physicians (as of December 31, 2024). The Company specializes in delivering tailored medical care and precision medicine solutions. For more information, visit https://investors.jianke.com.

About the “National High-Tech Enterprise”

The National High-Tech Enterprise designation represents China’s most prestigious recognition for technological excellence, awarded to companies that demonstrate cutting-edge innovation in priority sectors. Qualifying enterprises must demonstrate sustained R&D investment, successful commercialization of proprietary technologies, and domestic or international leadership in converting advanced research into productive applications. This certification serves as the gold standard for validating a company’s scientific capabilities and innovation-driven business model in China’s competitive tech landscape.

Media Contact

For further inquiries or interviews, please reach out to:
Xingwei Zhao Associate Director of Public Relations Email: pr@jianke.com

Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated due to various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements

Trip.com Group Expands Childcare Leave Policy, Covering More Than 10,000 Employees Worldwide

  • Three additional childcare leave days extend support to parents of children under 18 years old
  • Part of a broader commitment to support working parents, including childcare subsidies and hybrid work options

SINGAPORE, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com Group has announced an expansion of its family-friendly policies, introducing an additional three days of paid childcare leave for employees with children under 18 years old. This initiative, which takes effect immediately, is expected to benefit over 10,000 employees globally, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting working parents and promoting work-life balance.

Additional Support for Parents at Every Stage

Being “family-friendly” is one of the four key pillars of Trip.com Group’s Sustainability framework, guiding its commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture. The expansion of childcare leave is part of Trip.com Group’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive workplace, complementing a range of existing benefits, such as childcare subsidies, hybrid work arrangements, and even on-site childcare support.

The additional three days of childcare leave apply even to parents of older children, ensuring flexibility and support for employees at different stages of parenthood. Previously, employees’ childcare leave entitlement varied by country, depending on local statutory benefits. The new policy provides a globally consistent enhancement, giving all eligible employees more time to care for their children without compromising their professional responsibilities.

“Raising a child requires more than just financial support—it involves time, care, and a strong support system,” said a spokesperson from Trip.com Group’s HR team. “By enhancing our childcare leave policy, we aim to give parents the flexibility they need to be present for their children while maintaining their careers.”

Bingxing Zhou, an employee based in Shanghai, expressed joy when she first heard the news. “I’m really happy to hear that we now have three additional childcare days. As children grow, they actually need more quality time with their parents. I’m glad I can spend more time with my kid doing meaningful things, while still maintaining a balance with work.”

Others mentioned that the extra childcare leave helps parents even after the newborn stage. “There’s already some focus on maternity and paternity leave locally, but this new childcare policy is a great step forward. It shows the company understands that parents need time and flexibility to care for their kids even at later stages,” said Jessica Lai from the Singapore office.

Annwen Bristow, from the UK office, also shared how it helps with unexpected circumstances, “Being a working mother, having to leave work suddenly to pick up an unwell child happens all too often. This new initiative reduces the stress of having to do this, and prioritises my child. Very appreciated!”

Strengthening Family-Friendly Policies

In addition to childcare leave, the company continues to invest in family-support initiatives. In 2023, Trip.com Group allocated approximately one billion yuan (approximately US$137.6 million) in childcare subsidies, offering employees who have been with the company for over three years an annual cash bonus of 10,000 yuan (approximately US$1376.44) for each child from birth until the age of five. To date, this has benefitted more than 1,130 employees worldwide, with employees using it for essential expenses such as formula, diapers, healthcare and education.

Promoting Employee Well-being and Work-Life Balance

The introduction of additional childcare leave aligns with Trip.com Group’s broader efforts to enhance employee well-being. In recent years, the company has focused on hybrid work arrangements, allowing employees to work remotely on designated days, which has saved an estimated 900,000 hours of commuting time and benefited families worldwide.

The results are reports of improved employee satisfaction, enhanced work-life balance, and even helping to reduce traffic congestion in cities across the world.

Moreover, Trip.com Group has seen nearly 100% of female employees return to work after maternity leave, a testament to the effectiveness of its supportive workplace policies. These efforts, combined with paid parental leave and childcare subsidies, underscore the company’s commitment to workplace equality and career development.

A Sustainable and Employee-Centric Approach

Trip.com Group remains at the forefront of corporate social responsibility, continuously enhancing policies that prioritise employee well-being. With major corporations increasingly recognising the importance of work-life balance, Trip.com Group sets a strong example by fostering a workplace culture that values flexibility and support for working parents.

Looking ahead, the company aims to inspire more organisations to implement similar initiatives, contributing to a more sustainable and employee-friendly corporate landscape globally.

About Trip.com Group
Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

Follow us on: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

 

Tata Communications a Leader for 12th consecutive year in Gartner Magic Quadrant

MUMBAI, India, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tata Communications, a leading global communications technology player, proudly announces that it has once again been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Global WAN Services — marking its twelfth consecutive year of recognition for Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute.

Over the past year, Tata Communications redefined network services, transforming into an integrated, dynamic, on-demand network fabric. Key advancements included:

  • Investment in AI based fault diagnosis and AI driven telemetry which addresses issues for proactive network monitoring
  • Additional features to its IZO™ Multi Cloud Connect solution delivering high speed, seamless and intelligent connectivity for future forward global enterprises
  • A next-gen network-on-demand service, offering greater flexibility, including multi-cloud connectivity and zero-based bandwidth option for temporary WAN links
  • Satellite services to bridge connectivity gaps in remote industries, including oil and gas, mining and marine sectors
  • The launch of the world’s first predictable internet service with simple management and guaranteed performance —IZO™ Internet WAN — offering broadband, 4G/5G and satellite connectivity across 150+ countries

Genius Wong, Executive Vice President – Core and Next-Gen Connectivity Services & Chief Technology Officer, said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition from Gartner for the 12th consecutive year and we thank our customers for their unwavering trust. In today’s hyperconnected world, agility, resilience and security are paramount. At Tata Communications, we are committed to shaping and powering this next-generation network by investing in AI-based fault diagnosis and solutions tailored to the evolving needs of manufacturing, retail, banking, financial services and insurance and other sectors, we are building an innovative network fabric for a more connected tomorrow. Through our extensive network infrastructure and innovative services, we deliver cutting-edge network solutions to enterprises across the globe which are designed for robust and flexible connectivity.”

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Global WALN Services, Danellie Young, Lisa Pierce, Gaspar Valdivia, Karen Brown, 24 March 2025.

The report was published as Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global from 2015-23 and as Magic Quadrant for Global Network Service Providers from 2012-14.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Tata Communications

A part of the Tata Group, Tata Communications (NSE: TATACOMM) (BSE: 500483) is a global digital ecosystem enabler powering today’s fast-growing digital economy in more than 190 countries and territories. Leading with trust, it enables digital transformation of enterprises globally with collaboration and connected solutions, core and next gen connectivity, cloud hosting and security solutions and media services. 300 of the Fortune 500 companies are its customers and the company connects businesses to 80% of the world’s cloud giants. For more information, please visit www.tatacommunications.com

For more information, visit them on: X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

Forward-looking and cautionary statements

Certain words and statements in this release concerning Tata Communications and its prospects, and other statements, including those relating to Tata Communications’ expected financial position, business strategy, the future development of Tata Communications’ operations, and the general economy in India, are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including financial, regulatory, and environmental, as well as those relating to industry growth and trend projections, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tata Communications, or industry results, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from such forward- looking statements include, among others, failure to increase the volume of traffic on Tata Communications’ network; failure to develop new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; failure to successfully complete commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services, including voice transmission services; failure to stabilize or reduce the rate of price compression on certain of the company’s communications services; failure to integrate strategic acquisitions and changes in government policies or regulations of India and, in particular, changes relating to the administration of Tata Communications’ industry; and, in general, the economic, business and credit conditions in India. Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, many of which are not in Tata Communications’ control, include, but are not limited to, those risk factors discussed in Tata Communications Limited’s Annual Reports.

The Annual Reports of Tata Communications Limited are available at www.tatacommunications.com. Tata Communications is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements.

© 2025 Tata Communications Ltd. All rights reserved.

TATA COMMUNICATIONS and TATA are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tata Sons Private Limited in India and certain countries

 

Calastone Launches Tokenised Distribution Solution to Unlock the Future of Fund Distribution

LONDON, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Calastone, the largest global funds network, today announces the launch of Calastone Tokenised Distribution – a pioneering solution that allows asset managers to tokenise any fund operating on Calastone’s network and distribute it seamlessly across blockchain-based channels.

This innovative service delivers a simple, frictionless route into tokenisation, without requiring asset managers to change how their funds are structured, administered, or serviced. Yet with one step, they can unlock access to a growing universe of investors who operate exclusively within blockchain ecosystems.

“Calastone Tokenised Distribution offers asset managers a powerful new route to market,” said Adam Belding, Chief Technology Officer at Calastone. “We make it possible to distribute existing funds via blockchain networks, instantly and at scale. without any operational upheaval or technical reinvention.”

The solution bridges the gap between traditional investment funds and blockchain-native networks such as Ethereum, Polygon, and Canton, where investment activity is increasingly executed and settled using digital assets. These networks are attracting a fast-growing class of investors that traditional distribution channels do not reach, including:

  • Corporate treasurers managing substantial on-chain cash balances for yield and efficiency
  • Stablecoin issuers and institutional crypto firms seeking regulated investment options without the need to convert into fiat currencies
  • Crypto-experienced retail and wealth investors who want access to traditional assets via the same wallets and digital infrastructure they use for digital assets

By embedding tokenised fund shares into these blockchain networks, asset managers gain direct access to new pools of capital, without disrupting existing processes or partnerships.

The solution leverages Calastone’s existing global network – spanning over 4,500 firms across 56 markets – to enable any share class on the network to be tokenised and distributed via public, hybrid, or private blockchains. Orders initiated on-chain are automatically translated and processed through Calastone’s infrastructure, ensuring full compatibility with traditional fund operations.

This enables asset managers to:

  • Expand into blockchain-native investor channels with no operational disruption
  • Reduce distribution costs via automation and smart contracts
  • Maintain existing service provider relationships
  • Position themselves for long-term advantage in an evolving investment landscape

The launch follows a recent Calastone study showing that tokenisation could unlock over $1351 billion in annual cost savings for the asset management industry, while accelerating fund launches and lowering seed capital requirements.

“The investment world is changing fast,” said Julien Hammerson, CEO of Calastone. “New pools of capital are forming on blockchain networks, and they are not being accessed through traditional channels. Our Tokenised Distribution solution gives asset managers instant reach into these markets, without the requirement or need for transformation. We are making it easy to evolve with the market.”

At its core, Calastone Tokenised Distribution converts eligible fund shares into smart contract-powered tokens embedded directly onto blockchain networks. These tokens reflect the fund’s full detail, operate with built-in security protocols, and automatically mint and burn in line with real-time subscriptions and redemptions.

About Calastone

Calastone is the largest global funds network, connecting the world’s leading financial organisations.

Our mission is to reduce complexity, risk and costs, enabling the industry to deliver greater value to investors. Over 4,500 clients in 56 countries and territories benefit from Calastone’s services, processing over £250 billion of investment value each month.

Calastone is headquartered in London and has offices in Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, New York and Sydney.

1 https://www2.calastone.com/tokenisationcostresearch

 

Fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum launched as Uzbekistan continues FDI drive

With Uzbekistan’s economy nearly doubling with 6% GDP growth in 2023 and over $90 billion in foreign investments have been attracted, TIIF 2024 is set to drive further deals and investment. 

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan (MIIT) have announced the fourth annual Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF), Uzbekistan’s most significant international economic event, will be taking place at the Central Asian Expo (CAEx) Uzbekistan from 10-12 June 2025.

MIIT launch the fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum
MIIT launch the fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum

Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, highlighted the country’s strengthening position as a dynamically developing investment hub in Central Asia. “The government is taking decisive steps to improve Uzbekistan’s investment and business climate, removing all barriers,” he stated.

Over 3,000 participants from more than 75 different countries are expected to travel to Tashkent for TIIF 2025. Many of the participants are major investors, financial institutions, policymakers, economists, corporate leaders, experts in sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation.

During the announcement, Minister Kudratov spoke about the promising progress Uzbekistan is making noting that the economy has nearly doubled in recent years, with 6% GDP growth in 2023. Trade turnover continues to grow steadily, and over $90 billion in foreign investments have been attracted.

Minister Kudratov said: “TIIF-2025 is not just a forum—it’s a real tool for attracting investments, forging strategic partnerships, and discussing global economic trends. We invite all interested parties to join this landmark event.”

What to expect from TIIF 2025

This year’s program will focus on strategic sectors, investment opportunities, legislative reforms and business climate improvements. Selected participants will also be invited to a plenary session with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan.

TIIF 2025 will be focused on a number of key topics which will give participants the opportunity to listen to industry leaders on the below:

  • SMEs as the engine of economic growth
  • Industrial progress: automotive, electrical engineering, machinery
  • Water resource management challenges and innovations
  • Investor protection and legal system modernisation
  • Fintech and e-commerce development
  • Green energy and sustainable development
  • Privatisation and investment reforms
  • Urban development and infrastructure modernisation
  • Textile and chemical industry value chains
  • Digitalisation and AI as new business frontiers

Through comprehensive reforms, and a favourable business environment, Uzbekistan is seeing real progress. The Uzbekistan-2030″ Strategy is accelerating to support the economic development of the country. By 2030, Uzbekistan’s GDP is projected to reach $200 billion.

The previous TIIF in 2024 brought together 2,500+ participants and a record $26.6 billion in agreements were signed, demonstrating Uzbekistan’s high investment appeal. TIIF is an internationally recognised space that platforms the high-growth potential of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian markets.

To register for the 2025 Forum, visit www.tiif.online.

Lao Business Forum Highlights Progress, Challenges, Path Forward for Private Sector Development

The 16th Lao Business Forum, held at the Don Chan Palace in Vientiane on 3 April

At the 16th Lao Business Forum, held at the Don Chan Palace in Vientiane on 3 April, government officials, foreign diplomats, business leaders, and development partners gathered to discuss the state of Laos’ investment climate.