Tashkent hosts third EU–Central Asia Economic Forum

Uzbekistan is hosting the Third European Union–Central Asia Economic Forum, bringing together government representatives, international organisations and private-sector leaders from 32 countries.

With more than four hundred foreign participants attending, the event reaffirmed the forum’s growing significance as a platform for aligning regional economic priorities and expanding long-term cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjayev said relations between the European Union (EU) and Central Asia continue to demonstrate steady growth and a high level of mutual trust.

According to official figures, trade has quadrupled in the past seven years, reaching €54 billion, while the EU remains the region’s largest investor, providing more than €100 billion in direct investments over the last decade.

Preferential access under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP and GSP+) has supported export diversification and modernisation efforts across the region.

In 2024, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) delivered a record $2.26 billion to the region, including $938 million to Uzbekistan alone.

Cooperation with the EBRD, European Investment Bank (EIB) and other institutions, forms a strong basis for infrastructure, social and economic projects in the coming years.

Speaking at the session on enhancing connectivity, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Akram Aliyev underlined the importance of transport modernisation, logistics reform and digital procedures for strengthening competitiveness.

He stressed Uzbekistan’s readiness to deepen partnerships with the private sector and multilateral financial institutions.

EU officials also highlighted the need to improve the business environment to attract long-term investment.

Speaking to AnewZ, Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, said:

“The important thing is that we develop the business climate in the Central Asian area so that we have as many European companies come to this region as possible.”

He added that the EU is interested not only in trade, but also in working with partners to develop local industries and skills.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) emphasised the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in unlocking the region’s potential:

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the ITC told AnewZ that “The region is landlocked, so one of the most important things is the ability to move - and to move quickly.”

She said improved logistics and modern transport routes would help businesses access new markets more efficiently.

The forum covered five thematic areas: fostering prosperity, improving the business and investment climate, developing critical raw materials and sustainable value chains, strengthening professional capacities and deepening regional integration.

Participants discussed practical measures to stimulate investment, expand exports, develop human capital and upgrade infrastructure.

Six bilateral documents were exchanged on the margins of the forum, covering areas such as environmental restoration, irrigation, geodata, value-chain development, regulatory improvements and regional security.

Officials said these agreements reflect the widening scope of practical cooperation.

Uzbekistan–EU relations are now moving towards an expanded strategic partnership, supported by growing trade flows, investor activity and institutional dialogue.

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