Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) —Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with UK Minister of State for Trade Lord Anas Sarwar on 9 October to discuss bilateral cooperation. Sarwar was visiting Uzbekistan to attend the second meeting of the Uzbek-British Economic Committee.
At the beginning of the meeting, Sarwar conveyed greetings and a special message from UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to the Uzbek president.
The two sides discussed further development of their bilateral partnership, focusing particularly on trade and economic ties. They noted increased political dialogue, regular contacts at various levels and established cooperation in security.
According to information presented at the meeting, bilateral trade turnover is growing, and 260 joint ventures involving the two countries operate in Uzbekistan. The National Investment Fund of Uzbekistan has also completed its first initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange.
In the financial sector, cooperation includes the operations of Standard Chartered, while British Petroleum represents the oil and gas industry. Three joint universities have also been established, and Uzbekistan’s Presidential Schools operate in partnership with the University of Cambridge. The number of tourists visiting Uzbekistan from the UK is also increasing.
The meeting also focused on prospective projects involving UK Export Finance (UKEF). Priority areas include infrastructure, energy, finance, geology, transport, education and healthcare.
The British side expressed readiness to support the organisation and development of the International Financial Centre in Tashkent, which is planned to operate under English law.
Following the talks, the two sides agreed to adopt a joint roadmap aimed at further expanding multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom.
