Uzbekistan and Hungary agree to expand strategic partnership

The two leaders discussed strengthening the strategic partnership, with a focus on increasing bilateral trade to €500 million and implementing joint investment projects worth €1.5 billion.

Special emphasis was placed on launching a European Industrial Zone in Uzbekistan managed by Inpark, as well as expanding car financing, road construction, logistics, public infrastructure, and the production of pharmaceuticals, textiles, and building materials.

The entry of Hungary’s OTP Bank into the Uzbek market was highlighted, and an agreement was reached to broaden the bank's range of financial services in the country.

The two sides agreed to adopt an Investment Partnership Program at the upcoming intergovernmental commission meeting in July, resume the work of the Business Council, and prepare for the second Regional Forum.

In the humanitarian sphere, it was proposed to declare the coming year as the Year of Uzbek and Hungarian Culture, stage the “Lazgi” ballet in Hungary, and organize an exhibition at the Museum of Ethnography in Budapest.

The leaders also discussed expanding academic exchange programs and opening branches of Hungarian universities in Uzbekistan.

At the end of the meeting, President Mirziyoyev extended an invitation to Prime Minister Orbán to visit Uzbekistan.