EU Commissioners Begin Official Visit to Uzbekistan to Advance Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor

EU Commissioners Jozef Síkela and Marta Kos are on an official visit to Uzbekistan from November 25 to 27 aimed at boosting development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor - a strategic route connecting Europe and Central Asia and a key component of the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy.

During their visit, the commissioners will take part in the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Investors’ Forum and Connectivity Development Forum, set to be held on November 27 in Tashkent, The Caspian Post informs via Uzbek media.

Commissioner Síkela is also scheduled to address the 3rd EU-Central Asia Economic Forum on November 26.

Both events are being organized jointly by the Government of Uzbekistan and the EU, gathering senior officials, international organizations, investors, and private-sector representatives to accelerate regional cooperation and infrastructure development.

Speaking ahead of the events, Síkela highlighted the growing strength of ties between the EU and Central Asia.

“Partnership between Central Asia and the EU is stronger than ever,” he said. “These high-level forums unite public and private investors from both regions to turn our commitments into tangible results - economic growth, job creation, increased access to services, and enhanced stability.”

Commissioner Kos underscored the strategic significance of the Trans-Caspian Corridor.

“It is a bridge between continents, economies, and people,” she noted. “The Investors’ Forum in Tashkent transforms our connectivity agenda into concrete action through coordinated, priority investments that support sustainable prosperity and stability.”

The forum’s agenda includes thematic discussions on transport and logistics, regulatory harmonization, infrastructure financing, and digitalization of transit routes. Participants will also assess progress made since the inaugural EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference in Brussels in January 2024 and the interregional ministerial meeting held in Luxembourg on October 20.

The EU-Central Asia Economic Forum aims to strengthen regional economic links, promote sustainable development, and expand cooperation across key sectors, with a strong focus on investment, public-private partnerships, and resilient supply chains - including those involving critical raw materials.

EU officials are expected to sign several bilateral and regional agreements during the visit and hold meetings with senior representatives of the Uzbek government.