Shavkat Mirziyoyev meets European business and banking leaders in Belgium to discuss partnership

The meeting was attended by executives from Vandewiele, Linde, Rhenus Logistics, Ahlers Logistics, Lasselsberger Group, Pietro Fiorentini, NextChem, Meridiam, SUEZ, FMO, European Investment Bank, Commerzbank, KfW, Textima, Chimcomplex, Metso, and other prominent corporations.

President Mirziyoyev highlighted that the participation of Europe’s top companies reflects a high level of mutual trust and a shared commitment to long-term partnership. He noted that the signing of the Extended Partnership and Cooperation Agreement will mark a new era in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union.

Over the past seven years, trade between Uzbekistan and Europe has doubled, and the number of joint ventures involving European investment has exceeded 1,000. These figures indicate growing investor confidence in Uzbekistan’s ongoing economic reforms.

European partners continue to support the modernization and comprehensive reform of Uzbekistan’s economy, including the adoption of advanced technologies, implementation of corporate governance standards, and the development of innovative manufacturing.

President Mirziyoyev also emphasized the development of human capital. Opportunities for higher education for young people have been significantly expanded, with the establishment of new universities, the opening of branches of foreign institutions, and the implementation of joint educational programs with European partners.

During the discussion, the president outlined four key areas for deepening cooperation:

Strategic raw materials and mineral processing – Uzbekistan is interested in joint projects to produce high value-added finished products.

Green economy and chemical industry – the country is actively developing renewable energy, modernizing the energy sector, and inviting European partners to participate in green energy, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly chemical projects.

Infrastructure and logistics – Uzbekistan is modernizing its transport network, including roads, railways, and airports, and is ready to implement joint projects to develop transit routes and establish modern logistics hubs connecting Europe and Asia.

Digital economy and information technology – the country is developing IT parks and startup incubators, and is ready to cooperate with European companies in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Roundtable participants praised the transparent and stable investment climate in Uzbekistan and expressed their readiness to participate in new joint projects and initiatives in the country.