Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In a world where economic diplomacy increasingly begins with people rather than protocols, Arofat Salayeva stands out as a bridge-builder between two dynamic regions — Central Asia and the European Union.

A native of Tashkent and long-time resident of Nicosia, Salayeva is a seasoned expert in cross-border taxation and investment strategy, holding prestigious international qualifications (FCCA, ADIT) and over two decades of experience in Cyprus’s professional services sector.

Today, she serves as President of the newly launched Cyprus–Uzbekistan Business Association, a platform created under the auspices of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Association aims to catalyze trade, investment, and institutional cooperation between Uzbekistan — a rapidly reforming economy in the heart of Eurasia — and Cyprus, a European business hub with strong regulatory infrastructure and global connectivity.

In this exclusive interview, Salayeva discusses the Association’s strategic mission, her personal journey from Central Asia to the Mediterranean, and why now is a pivotal moment to connect Uzbek entrepreneurship with European opportunity. Her story is one of professional excellence and cultural diplomacy — and a reminder that meaningful business starts with shared vision.

— You’ve lived in Cyprus for over 20 years. What brought you there and how has your career evolved since?

— I moved to Cyprus in 2004 with a strong desire to broaden my professional horizons. After studying Financial Management, I pursued international qualifications such as the FCCA and ADIT. My career began at international legal and accountancy firms, including a Big Four firm, where I worked in audit and international tax advisory. These experiences eventually led me to establish Arosal in 2015, a boutique advisory firm focused on cross-border business and taxation. Cyprus became more than a professional base. It became a second home where I could blend international expertise with deeply rooted values.

— What led you to become involved with the Cyprus–Uzbekistan Business Association?

—  I’ve always lived between two cultures, Uzbekistan and Cyprus. Over the years, I witnessed the growing potential for structured cooperation between our two countries, especially in the areas of business and innovation. Uzbekistan is undergoing significant transformation, liberalising its economy, attracting foreign direct investment and modernising its regulatory landscape. Cyprus, as an EU member state, offers a stable, business-friendly environment with access to European markets and a strong legal framework.

The Cyprus–Uzbekistan Business Association was established under the auspices of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry to help harness this complementarity. I was honoured to be elected as the Association’s first President. Together with our board members, my role is to help shape its strategic direction and ensure we build meaningful, high-impact connections, business to business, institution to institution and person to person.

In this direction, we recently held a strategic meeting with the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explore enhanced cooperation. In June, I had the honour of welcoming a diplomatic delegation from Uzbekistan during their official visit to Cyprus.

— What are the Association’s current priorities and target stakeholders?

— As this is our first year since establishment, our focus is on building visibility, attracting committed and strategically aligned members and preparing for our first major networking event in the coming months. We’re engaging a strategic mix of stakeholders, from entrepreneurs, SMEs and large enterprises in sectors such as ICT, healthcare, real estate, green energy and trade, to institutional partners including ministries, embassies, chambers of commerce, innovation hubs, academic institutions and diaspora networks. The Association is already active on LinkedIn, with our website launch coming soon.

— For Uzbek entrepreneurs looking to expand, why is Cyprus a smart move?

— Cyprus stands out as one of the European Union’s most accessible and opportunity-rich business environments. It offers a strong legal system rooted in common law, excellent infrastructure and seamless access to EU trade mechanisms. The country is also known for its innovation-friendly policies, particularly in sectors like digital technology, finance and renewable energy.

Whether you're involved in fintech, logistics, professional services or education, Cyprus combines market access with legal and regulatory predictability. For entrepreneurs seeking a stable gateway into the EU, it presents both strategic and practical advantages.

— How do you present Uzbekistan’s value proposition to potential investors from Cyprus or elsewhere in the EU?

— Uzbekistan is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising economies in Central Asia. Recent reforms have liberalised the currency market, simplified company registration and established Free Economic Zones with generous incentives.

Take the IT Park in Uzbekistan, for example. It offers zero tax on income, dividends and VAT until 2040, a true game-changer for tech firms. There’s strong momentum in sectors like green energy, mining, infrastructure and digital transformation. These are the opportunities we’re actively spotlighting to our stakeholders.

— The Association also focuses on culture. Why does this matter for business?

— Because trust precedes investment. Cultural diplomacy opens doors and breaks down stereotypes. Both Cyprus and Uzbekistan have rich histories and deep traditions. When these cultures meet, people feel a sense of shared purpose, and that creates fertile ground for doing business. Through exhibitions, performances and storytelling, we humanise the partnership. It’s a bond not only for trade and capital, but for mutual understanding.

— Finally, what message would you share with entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan reading this interview?

— Believe in your potential beyond borders. Our roots give us resilience, adaptability and vision. Whether you're a founder, policymaker or student, know that allies abroad are working to elevate Uzbekistan’s global role. Let’s continue to collaborate, invest in one another and write the next chapter of our story, together.