Monday10 February 2025
centralasiabusiness.com

Templeton Global Investments will oversee the National Investment Fund's equity portfolio.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan has signed an agreement with the American company Franklin Templeton, designating its division, Templeton Global Investments, as the trust manager for the National Investment Fund (UzNIF). This information was reported by the agency's press service.
Templeton Global Investments возьмет на себя управление акциями Национального инвестиционного фонда.

UzNIF was established in August 2024 to manage minority stakes in 18 major state enterprises and banks. Among them are "NavoiAzot" (25%), "Regional Electric Networks" (40%), "People's Bank" (30%), "Uzbektelecom" (25%), Uzbekistan Airways (25%), and others. The total asset value of the fund, according to Franklin Templeton, is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.

The primary objectives of the fund will be to enhance the market value of assets, list shares on leading foreign stock exchanges, and attract large international investors for participation in privatization and investments. Franklin Templeton will manage the investment portfolio, implement transformation programs to increase the attractiveness of the companies, and assist in listing their shares on local and international exchanges.

The company will also introduce global standards for corporate governance, financial efficiency, internal auditing, and risk management, while also focusing on the professional development of enterprise employees.
The full launch of the fund is scheduled for April 2025. At least 50% of the net profit from UzNIF's assets will be allocated for dividend payments by 2030.

By the end of 2026, the fund's shares are planned to be listed on the Tashkent and international stock exchanges, including London.