“AS CONNECTIVITY IMPROVES, UZBEKISTAN IS BECOMING A GATEWAY BETWEEN EUROPE AND ASIA.”

WHICH MILESTONES DURING YOUR TENURE ARE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL?

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I have been fortunate to arrive in Uzbekistan at a time when our relations have entered an exceptionally dynamic period of engagement between the European Union and Uzbekistan, driven by a shared commitment to deliver tangible results. Several milestones stand out. The first-ever EU – Central Asia Summit in Samarkand last April was a historic moment, demonstrating the importance the Central Asian countries and the EU attach to this partnership.

This was followed by the signing of the EU-Uzbekistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in Brussels, which provides a modern framework for our bilateral relations. The EU – Central Asia Economic and Investors Forum has reinforced our economic ties and opened new avenues for business. These developments reflect growing trust between the EU and Uzbekistan. Rather than highlighting a single milestone, I would emphasise the momentum built, and I am confident these dynamics will continue in the years ahead.

WHICH FLAGSHIP PROJECTS IN UZBEKISTAN WILL ABSORB THE LARGEST SHARE?

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The European Union's Global Gateway investments reflect our belief in the future of Uzbekistan and Central Asia. These initiatives are ambitious and strategic, designed to deliver long-term connectivity between our regions. A central element is the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. In today's geopolitical context, it represents a reliable route linking Europe with Uzbekistan and the wider region.

The Trans-Caspian route offers a stable alternative supporting Uzbekistan's economy and trade with Europe. Uzbekistan's geographic position makes it a natural hub, and we are working with partners to enhance physical infrastructure and "soft connectivity," including digitalisation, customs cooperation, and trade facilitation.

Beyond transport, our cooperation extends to water and energy, two sectors vital for sustainable development. The EU is supporting drinking water and sanitation investments, and initiatives to restore ecosystems in the Aral Sea region. We are also strengthening regional electricity networks to enable greater use of renewables such as hydropower, solar, and wind.

Digital connectivity is another priority. Through regional initiatives, we are supporting a secure, high-capacity digital backbone, including satellite solutions that complement existing infrastructure. This will help bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural areas, creating opportunities for innovation and growth. We also fund a World Bank project for the digitalisation of national data infrastructure. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the EU's commitment to connecting our regions.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EUROPEAN INVESTMENT?

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Trade between the European Union and Uzbekistan has grown significantly, with strong potential for further expansion. A key driver is Uzbekistan's participation in the EU's GSP+ scheme, which grants preferential access to the European market by removing tariffs on most exports. This provides a unique opportunity for Uzbek producers to move up the value chain and expand beyond traditional sectors.

Given Uzbekistan's rapid growth, opportunities for European investment exist in many areas. European products are not always the cheapest, but European know-how is the most advanced, and that is what Uzbekistan needs: the best. Our new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement provides a more predictable business environment and will strengthen investor confidence. This is reflected in the growing presence of European businesses, with EUROUZ now the country's largest business chamber.

Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for European investment, and it will be important to continue reforms and develop a shared vision for sustainable growth.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO INVESTORS CONSIDERING UZBEKISTAN THIS YEAR?

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Uzbekistan is a country of opportunity at a pivotal moment in its development. What makes Uzbekistan attractive is not only its domestic potential, but its strategic position at the heart of Central Asia. As connectivity improves, especially through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the country is becoming a gateway between Europe and Asia.

The European Union is supporting this transformation through its Global Gateway strategy, investing in infrastructure, digital connectivity, energy, and human capital. This creates a foundation for sustainable growth. European companies can help drive this growth through know-how transfer and investments.

European skills, experience and quality are precisely what Uzbekistan needs. The EU Delegation, with embassies of EU Member States, is here to support EU business.