Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 10 January, Singapore hosted a "round table" on the topic "Uzbekistan and Singapore: prospects for mutually beneficial partnership."

The event was organized by the International Institute of Central Asia and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) of Nanyang Technological University Singapore.

The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore, experts from the leading analytical and research structures of this country.

Among them are the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, the National University of Singapore, the Middle East Institute (MEI), the Singapore Cooperation Center for Central and Southeast Asia and International Partners (SCE), etc.

At the round table, the Uzbek side was represented by experts from International Institute of Central Asia (MICA), the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his opening speech, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Singapore K. Shakirov highly appreciated the state and prospects of bilateral Uzbek-Singapore cooperation.

It was emphasized that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1997, the countries have created a strong political and economic partnership. Thanks to the established trusting relationships, the dynamics of interaction in all areas is steadily growing.

Regular dialogue at the highest and high levels, active economic cooperation and investment activities, rich cultural and humanitarian cooperation have become important components of close ties between the parties.

CERR Director Obid Khakimov noted the consistent strengthening and expansion of Uzbek-Singapore cooperation.

It was emphasized that the current dynamics has a positive effect on the deepening of political, diplomatic, trade, economic, educational, cultural and humanitarian ties. There are successful examples of partnership in the field of textiles, chemistry, transport, education, etc.

It was noted that the large-scale reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan create additional conditions for building up mutually beneficial Uzbek-Singapore cooperation in all areas.

Batir Tursunov, Deputy Director of the International Institute of Central Asia, emphasized that Singapore and Uzbekistan have a huge untapped potential for building partnerships in almost all areas.

It was emphasized that the current dynamics of the Uzbek-Singaporean relations creates additional conditions for further building up mutually beneficial cooperation not only between the two countries, but also the countries of Central Asia, which are consistently strengthening their relations.

In general, the participants were informed in detail about the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan, the priorities and achievements of the regional policy of the state, the promotion of the initiatives of the Leader of the country on the interconnectedness of Central and South Asia.

Representatives of Singapore’s expert circles highly assessed the state and prospects of bilateral relations.

Ong Keng Yong, Chairman of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, noted that Singapore fully supports large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan aimed at increasing the openness and transparency of the economy.

It was emphasized that, thanks to the new course of Uzbekistan, carried out under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, favorable conditions have been created for building up Uzbek-Singapore relations.

He expressed confidence that regular meetings and negotiations at the highest and high levels, as well as between ministries and departments, will comprehensively deepen and expand relations between the two countries, promote cooperation between Central Asian countries and the states of Southeast Asia.

According to him, Uzbekistan and Singapore have great potential for strengthening cooperation and developing interaction between the regions of Central and Southeast Asia.

In turn, Denise Pereira Carrie-Anne, Director of the Emerging Markets Department of the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore, noted the significant place and role of Uzbekistan in Central Asia.

It was emphasized that the openness of the country and the ongoing political and economic reforms have a positive impact on the development of business between entrepreneurs of the two countries, contribute to strengthening mutual trust and establishing mutually beneficial cooperation.

According to her, in recent years, Singapore has invested over US$350 million in Uzbekistan. This, on a global scale, is not a large amount. But most importantly, this amount continues to grow, thanks to the reforms of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The expert noted that tourism is a promising area of cooperation between the two countries, due to the huge potential in this area. Uzbekistan can also become a major supplier of fantastic dried and fresh fruits that would be in great demand in Singapore.

Singapore could also become a leading partner in the areas of logistics and digitalization. There are great opportunities to involve leading private sector companies in these areas.

A similar assessment was given by a senior researcher at the School of International Studies. S. Rajaratnam Raffaello Pantucci, who noted that Uzbekistan, like Singapore in Southeast Asia, is the locomotive of all Central Asia.

It was noted that the countries have a large untapped potential, which requires a lot of work on both sides.

Within the framework of the forum, the Singapore side also paid special attention to the prospects for expanding economic ties between the two countries. Significant interest is indicated for cooperation in such areas as "green" energy, the widespread introduction of innovations, the digitalization of economic sectors and energy-efficient technologies.

As part of the discussions, the participants of the round table analyzed in detail the state and prospects for cooperation between Uzbekistan and Singapore, identified priority areas that require development and consistent build-up, made proposals that would further strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations, including between the countries of Central Asia and Southeast Asia.

The participants noted the relevance of the exchange of views and agreed to continue close contacts in a similar format. Recall that the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies was founded in 2007 and is one of the world’s leading think tanks dealing with international relations. RSIS research is published regularly in authoritative publications, leading journals and online platforms.