The President of Uzbekistan urges European businesses to expand mutually beneficial cooperation

As part of his official visit to Belgium, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a roundtable discussion with executives of leading European companies and banks.

The meeting was attended by top management from companies and corporations such as Vandewiele, Linde, Rhenus Logistics, Ahlers Logistics, Lasselsberger Group, Pietro Fiorentini, NextChem, Meridiam, SUEZ, FMO, the European Investment Bank, Commerzbank, KfW, Textima, Chimcomplex, Metso, and others.

The President of Uzbekistan emphasized that the participation of leading European companies in the event reflects a high level of mutual trust and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation.

It was noted that the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement will open a new chapter in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union.

Over the past seven years, trade turnover has doubled, and the number of joint ventures involving European capital has exceeded one thousand. This is clear evidence of growing investor confidence in Uzbekistan’s ongoing economic reforms.

Particular emphasis was placed on the support of European partners in modernizing Uzbekistan’s economy and advancing deep economic reforms, introducing cutting-edge technologies, implementing corporate governance standards, and developing innovative industries.

The President paid special attention to the development of human capital. Access to higher education for young people has been significantly expanded – new universities have been established, branches of foreign universities have opened, and joint educational programs with European partners are being implemented.

At the meeting, the Head of State outlined four key areas for deepening cooperation.

Uzbekistan is interested in jointly implementing projects to produce high-value-added finished goods by developing and in-depth processing of strategic raw materials and minerals within the country.

Another promising area for collaboration is the green economy and the chemical industry. The country is actively introducing renewable energy sources and modernizing its energy system. European partners were invited to participate in projects focused on green energy generation, energy storage, and environmentally friendly chemical production.

Another priority highlighted was the development of infrastructure and logistics. Uzbekistan is modernizing its transport network, including highways, railways, and airports. The country is ready to implement joint projects to develop transit corridors and build modern logistics centers connecting Europe and Asia.

Special attention was also given to the digital economy and information technologies. Uzbekistan is actively developing IT parks and startup incubators and is open to cooperation with European companies in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

In turn, participants of the roundtable highly praised the transparent and stable investment conditions established in Uzbekistan and confirmed their readiness to participate in the implementation of new joint projects and initiatives in the country.

UzA