Tashkent (TDI): The European-Uzbekistan Economic Cooperation Association inaugurated the European Economic Days 2024, with a notable video address from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties with Uzbekistan as the nation seeks to revive its role in global trade.
More than 300 representatives from the Uzbek and European governments and business sectors attended the event, underscoring a shared dedication to deepening cooperation.
In her address, Von der Leyen highlighted three core areas where EU-Uzbekistan collaboration has seen marked growth.
She began by acknowledging Uzbekistan’s historic position as a central hub on global trade routes.
“For centuries, European merchants traveled to Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva for textiles and ceramics,” she said, illustrating Uzbekistan’s long-standing cultural and commercial significance.
She noted that the country is once again opening its doors to international trade.
On trade, she pointed to the 2021 opening of European markets to Uzbek exports, which led to a swift rise in textile and metallurgy shipments to Europe, though she emphasized there is still ample room for growth.
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Turning to investment, Von der Leyen spotlighted the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which has earmarked up to 10 billion euros, in cooperation with international partners, to develop the Trans-Caspian Corridor.
This corridor, the shortest route from Europe to East Asia, aims to link Central Asia and Europe within 15 days, promoting regional connectivity.
She also noted EU efforts to link Uzbekistan to Europe’s satellite network to improve digital communications across the country.
Lastly, she spoke on expanding EU-Uzbekistan partnerships in strategic sectors, referencing a recent agreement focused on supply chains for critical minerals.
This initiative, signed in April 2024, aims to support Uzbekistan’s domestic industry and job creation by adding value locally rather than merely extracting raw materials.
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“While some global investors focus solely on raw material extraction, that’s not us,” she said, affirming Europe’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic development in Uzbekistan.
Von der Leyen concluded by expressing optimism that the forum would pave the way for stronger ties and new business opportunities between Europe and Uzbekistan.
She also announced plans for the first “Central Asia—EU” summit in Samarkand next year, a move anticipated to further solidify the EU’s engagement in the region.
