Photo: Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan
European companies and banks have reached agreements with Uzbek partners to jointly implement projects worth more than €10 billion. The agreements were concluded during a business forum and roundtable with leaders of major enterprises and financial institutions held as part of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Belgium, according to his press service.
The new initiatives provide for cooperation in the following sectors:
✅ energy;
✅ chemistry;
✅ critical minerals;
✅ logistics;
✅ textiles;
✅ pharmaceuticals.
These projects represent a substantial addition to Uzbekistan’s current portfolio of ventures with European investors, which already exceeds €40 billion.
On October 24, President Mirziyoyev held meetings with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The discussions focused on expanding multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union in line with the agreements reached at the first “Central Asia – EU” summit, held earlier this year in Samarkand.
The participants praised the signing of a historic Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the EU. The comprehensive document not only broadens the legal framework but also sets a new agenda for bilateral relations. It is expected to give fresh momentum to joint projects in trade, investment, transport, energy, climate action, high technologies, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
Mirziyoyev, Costa, and von der Leyen also announced the completion of bilateral negotiations on Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.
The leaders highlighted productive exchanges and contacts at all levels. The Uzbek delegation took part in the EU’s Global Gateway forum, as well as in the Cooperation Council and the Subcommittee on Economy, Trade, and Investment.
To maintain the positive momentum in relations, both sides emphasized the need to further strengthen institutional cooperation mechanisms and to implement new, forward-looking projects in various sectors. They also underscored the importance of simplifying visa procedures to foster closer business and cultural ties.
A Joint Statement was adopted following the meeting between the President of Uzbekistan, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission.
