Spatial Study of Factors Affecting FDI into FEZs in Uzbekistan

In recent years, the role of free economic zones (FEZs) in the economy of Uzbekistan has enlarged. Since the new government in Uzbekistan (since 2017), the activity of FEZs has been significantly revived. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is one of the most important sources for the development of FEZs for Uzbekistan. So, as a result of several government reforms and international dialogs, the FDI flow is also getting increased. However, there are some factors that negatively affect the FDI flow into FEZs. These negative influencing factors include logistic infrastructure, administrative system, energy problems, deficiencies in attracting FDI to innovative projects, and other related issues in FEZs. In this regard, this study examined its spatial analysis and called for these factors to be explored from an economic geography perspective. Therefore, this it has been conducted economic geography research focusing on those factors, their causes, and suggestions without conducting an empirical analysis due to limited data. It is expected that this study will contribute to the literature as there are no separate studies that examined FEZs and FDI flows in Uzbekistan based on economic geography. Furthermore, the significant role of economic geography was highlighted. Finally, the study concluded with suggestions based on the outcomes