Uzbekistan proposes joint economic projects with EU 

As it was previously reported, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela visited Central Asia from March 12 to 18 to strengthen cooperation and promote the EU’s Global Gateway initiative.

On March 18, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Commissioner Sikela to discuss the development of multifaceted Uzbek-European relations. Key among the topics was the “prompt signing” of a new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the European Union.

The parties expressed mutual interest in advancing joint projects and programs in transportation and logistics, energy, digitalization, agriculture, water management, and other priority areas. Special emphasis was placed on establishing mutually beneficial, practical cooperation in the processing of critical mineral resources.

In a post on his X account, Sikela highlighted the key areas of collaboration discussed: digital connectivity (including satellite internet), raw materials, transportation, and energy.

The sides agreed to collaborate on creating value-added production facilities that would generate jobs, drive economic growth, and open up trade opportunities in Uzbekistan, as well as for Europe.

During a meeting with Uzbekistan’s Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov, the focus shifted to infrastructure projects under the Global Gateway initiative, notably the construction of a new railway and highway linking Uchkuduk and Kyzylorda. Significant attention was also given to the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor to boost mutual trade volumes.

Makhkamov raised the issue of EU support for Uzbekistan’s accession to the multilateral permit system of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT). Additionally, he proposed that the EU consider establishing joint industrial-logistics parks in Uzbekistan.