President of Uzbekistan Calls on European Business to Expand Mutually Beneficial Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During an official visit to Belgium, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, held a roundtable with leaders of leading European companies and banks.

The meeting brought together top executives from corporations including 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 head of state emphasized that the participation of leading European companies reflects a high level of mutual trust and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation. It was highlighted that the signing of the Agreement on Extended Partnership and Cooperation will mark a new chapter in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union.

Over the past seven years, trade turnover between the parties has doubled, and the number of joint ventures with European capital has exceeded one thousand, demonstrating growing investor confidence in the country’s economic reforms. Special attention was given to the support of European partners in modernizing the economy, introducing advanced technologies, implementing corporate governance standards, and developing innovative production.

The President underscored the importance of human capital development. Access to higher education for youth has been significantly expanded through the establishment of new universities, the opening of branches of foreign universities, and the implementation of joint educational programs with European partners.

During the meeting, the head of state outlined four key areas for further deepening cooperation.

The first area involves the joint implementation of projects for the production of high value-added finished goods through the development and deep processing of strategic raw materials and minerals within the country.

The second area focuses on the development of a green economy and the chemical industry. Uzbekistan is actively implementing renewable energy, modernizing its energy system, and inviting European partners to participate in projects related to green generation, energy storage, and environmentally friendly chemistry.

The third area concerns infrastructure and logistics. The country is modernizing its transport network, including highways, railways, and airports, and is ready to undertake joint projects for the development of transit routes and the creation of modern logistics centers connecting Europe and Asia.

The fourth area is the digital economy and information technology. Uzbekistan is developing IT parks and startup incubators and is inviting European companies to collaborate in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Participants at the roundtable highly appreciated the transparent and stable investment conditions established in the country and confirmed their readiness to engage in the implementation of new joint projects and initiatives in Uzbekistan.