Conference

ABOUT CONFERENCE

The 5th Tashkent Business and Economics Conference brings together leading scholars, policymakers, business leaders, and innovators to explore the revival of the Silk Road as a dynamic framework for regional connectivity, trade integration, and economic transformation in Central Asia. In a world shaped by shifting global value chains, geopolitical realignments, and rapid digitalisation, Central Asia is redefining its strategic role as a bridge between East and West, North and South. TBEC 2026 provides a dynamic platform to examine how the region can leverage its historic position to drive sustainable growth, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and foster resilient economic systems.

Hosted in person at the prestigious Hyatt Regency Tashkent, Uzbekistan, TBEC 2026 offers a unique opportunity for meaningful dialogue, high-level networking, and collaborative research exchange in the heart of Central Asia. The conference is organised by WIUT Business School and the School of Graduate Studies and Research, bringing together academic excellence and practical insight to address the region’s most pressing economic challenges.

Join us in Tashkent to be part of the conversation shaping the future of regional connectivity and economic transformation.

Dr. Komiljon Karimov

Conference Chair

Rector, WIUT

Dr. Bakhrom Mirkasimov

Conference Co-Chair

Deputy Rector Research and Innovation, WIUT

Dr. Zohid Askarov

Conference Vice Chair

Dean of WIUT Business School

FORMAT

In-Person Conference

LOCATION

Hyatt Regency Tashkent

KEY OBJECTIVES

Central Asia in Global Trade & Investment

To examine the evolving role of Central Asia in regional and global trade and investment flows

Connectivity & Silk Road Infrastructure

To analyze regional connectivity initiatives, transport corridors, and logistics networks along the modern Silk Road

Policy Dialogue & Regional Cooperation

To promote evidence-based policy dialogue on trade facilitation, regional cooperation, and economic integration

Interdisciplinary Research & Digital Transformation

To foster interdisciplinary research linking economics, business, finance,
infrastructure, and digital transformation

International Academic Collaboration

To strengthen international academic collaboration and research visibility related to Central Asia

CALL FOR PAPERS

We invite scholars, researchers, and students to submit their work to the conference. Submissions are welcomed in the form of full papers, working papers or extended abstracts, as well as doctoral colloquium papers. Undergraduate and postgraduate students are particularly encouraged to share early-stage research and innovative ideas.

Special issue - International Journal of Tourism Research Q1 / WoS / SSCI
Special issue - Silk Road: A Journal of Eurasian Development
Eurasian Economics & Business Dynamics (EEBD) - WIUT Business School Research Journal
Conference proceedings with ISBN
Edited volumes with international academic publishers

SUBMIT YOUR PAPERS

Tracks

CONFERENCE TRACKS

The conference accepts original research papers (not presented before) on the following tracks (but not limited to):

Silk Road Tourism & Hospitality: Connectivity, Competitiveness & Sustainable Destination Development
Cross-Border Markets & AI-Enabled Customer Value Systems
Regional Integration, Connectivity & Cross-Border Exchange Economics
Financial Integration, Capital Markets, Cross-Border Banking & Corporate Finance/Governance
Supply Chains, Cross-Border Coordination & Governance for Corridor Connectivity

Sustainable & Green Finance, ESG & Corporate Sustainability Stewardship for Silk Road connectivity
Development, Structural Transformation & Spatial Economics in Silk Road Economies
FinTech, AI & Digital Financial Infrastructure for Transnational Trade
Sustainable, Purpose-Driven & ESG Marketing for Regional Competitiveness
AI, Automation & Workforce Transformation in Central Asia and Silk Road Economies

Speakers

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AND SPECIAL SESSIONS

Professor Timothy LeeEditor-in-Chief

International Journal of Tourism Research (SSCI)
Professor at Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST).

Professor Marina DabićEditor-in-Chief, Technology in Society (SSCI)

Professor at the University of Ljubljana School of Business and Economics, Slovenia & University of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Professor Datuk Dr. Norma Mansor

President of Malaysian Economic Association and President, Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC), Universiti Malaya.

Audience

TARGET AUDIENCE OF THE CONFERENCE

Dates

IMPORTANT DATES

JUN

7

2026

Abstract Submission Deadline

JUN

15

2026

Notification of Abstract Acceptance

JUN

30

2026

Full Paper Submission Deadline

JUL

31

2026

Conference Registration Deadline

Discussions

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Panel Discussion 1

AI and the Future of Human Capital – Reshaping the Central Asian Economies and Silk Road

Overview: This panel will cover how the introduction of AI is aiding in the advancement of human capital development throughout the economies located along the Silk Road corridor, as well as those of Central Asia in general. This panel will also discuss how government and private organizations can work together to create forward-thinking policies that will allow for inclusive growth from AI technology within the region.

Panel Discussion 2

Tourism, Culture, and Soft Connectivity - Hospitality, Heritage, and People-to-People Integration

Overview: This session explores tourism and cultural connectivity as drivers of regional integration and economic diversification.

Panel Discussion 3

Reimagining the Silk Road-Regional Connectivity, Trade Integration, and Central Asia’s Strategic Role

Overview: This flagship panel examines the revival of the Silk Road as a modern framework for trade integration, regional connectivity, and economic cooperation. It brings together policymakers, economists, and regional experts to discuss Central Asia’s evolving role in global and Eurasian value chains.

Panel Discussion 4

Financial Innovation and Infrastructure Finance Along the Digital Silk Road

Overview: This session focuses on digital finance platforms, financial infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems reshaping cross-border trade and finance in Central Asia-especially Silk Road.

Panel Discussion 5

Sustainable Growth and Climate Action - Green Economy and Critical Minerals for Inclusive Development

Overview: This panel examines how sustainable growth and climate action can be advanced through green trade/economy and the responsible development of critical minerals, promoting climate-resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable development along the Silk Road.

For detailed descriptions of the panel discussions and special sessions, download the Guide.

SPECIAL SESSIONS

Special Session 1

Innovation, Startups, and the Knowledge Economy for Food Security: Entrepreneurship along the Silk Road

Overview: The session will examine how digital technologies, data analytics, biotechnology, and supply-chain innovation enable entrepreneurs to address food system challenges while generating inclusive economic growth. The discussion will also consider the role of universities, research institutions, agribusinesses, and public–private partnerships in supporting the commercialization of knowledge, scaling agri-tech startups, and integrating food systems into regional and global markets.

Special Session 2

Academia-Policy-Industry Dialogue from Research to Policy Impact in Central Asia

Overview: This panel bridges academic research with policymaking and industry practice, focusing on research impact and collaboration.