Investor interest in Central Asia and the Caucasus triples amid growing awareness

The report shows heightened enthusiasm particularly for sectors such as industrial and manufacturing, oil and gas, as well as mining and natural resources.

Overall, investor familiarity with the region has significantly increased since Montfort’s last survey in 2023. Investors from both the UK and US now rate their understanding of the region at an average of 7.36 out of 10, a substantial rise from 4.92 just a year ago. This improvement suggests that efforts by governments to promote investment are starting to pay off. However, the number of investors naming Central Asia or the Caucasus as a top investment destination remains relatively low, highlighting the continued need for education, information-sharing, and regulatory reforms.

“To fully tap into the region’s investment potential, strong communication and engagement are essential,” said Eleanor Kramers, Managing Director of Montfort Eurasia. “By sharing clear, trustworthy information and openly addressing investors’ key concerns and risks, Central Asia and the Caucasus can become even more attractive to global investors.”

Key highlights from the report:

• Surging interest in emerging markets: 66.7% of UK investors and 72.9% of US investors surveyed expressed strong interest in global emerging markets – up sharply from 44.7% (UK) and 29.5% (US) in 2023.
• Improved regional knowledge: Investor understanding of Central Asia and the Caucasus rose from 4.92 in 2023 to 7.36 in 2024, showing a significant leap in awareness.
• Tripled interest in the region: Approximately 47% of investors now report strong interest in the region, compared to just 15.5% in the previous survey.
• Persistent concerns: Investment security (76%) and political stability (65%) remain the top concerns for potential investors.
• Information sources: Investors primarily rely on international media (80%) and financial analysts (70%) to learn about emerging markets. 68% of respondents said improved understanding of local markets would make them more likely to invest.
• Key sectors of interest: Industrial and manufacturing (63.5%), oil and gas (57.9%), and mining/natural resources (49.2%) were cited as the most attractive industries. Among countries, Kazakhstan (11%), Armenia (10.5%), Azerbaijan (8.7%), and Uzbekistan (7.8%) emerged as top destinations.

Full version of the report is available at the Montfort Eurasia website.