The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Uzbekistan, Lubomír Frebort, highlighted that Czech companies are actively exploring potential participation in projects funded through the European Union’s Global Gateway investment strategy, which focuses on advancing sustainable infrastructure development in Central Asia, The Caspian Post reports citing UzA.
- I would like to highlight key areas such as digital connectivity, transport, critical raw materials, water, energy, and climate, - the diplomat said. - The Czech Republic has a strong interest in Uzbekistan’s strategically essential mineral resources, including uranium and copper deposits. This priority aligns with the EU’s supply chain diversification strategy, particularly in seeking reliable sources of essential raw materials and other resources critical to the stability and development of Czech industry. In 2023, the two countries agreed to systematize cooperation in the mining and geological sectors by establishing a joint working group. Czech companies offer advanced mining technologies and equipment to support resource extraction and processing. Earlier this year, a leading Czech mining and geological firms delegation visited Uzbekistan to explore potential collaboration opportunities. Priority areas were discussed with officials from relevant ministries. Ambassador Frebort states that cooperation with the European Union, particularly with the Czech Republic, offers mutual benefits. Our companies are ready for equal and mutually respectful partnership.
Speaking about the transport sector, Ambassador Lubomír Frebort noted that railway cooperation has long been a traditional pillar of economic relations between the two countries.
- We are actively working on a significant project to be implemented in the transport sphere, - said Ambassador Frebort. - Czech companies are interested in signing contracts to expand and modernize the tram fleet in Samarkand and the trolleybus fleet in Urgench, as well as improvements to the Tashkent Metro system. We are also looking to contribute to the development of infrastructure related to airports and air traffic management. Uzbekistan Airways already operates Czech-made L-410 aircraft. In addition, a Czech manufacturer specializing in small private aircraft for parachuting is also keen to establish cooperation.
We are pleased that air travel between Tashkent and Prague and Karlovy Vary will resume this summer. This will further strengthen the economic and cultural ties between our countries. A Czech company will take part in modernizing Uzbekistan’s metrology and standardization laboratories in line with European standards. This is particularly valuable for companies aiming to export services to the EU, where clarity and consistency of standards are crucial.
The Czech Metrology Institute is actively involved in training programs, and specialists from Uzbekistan are undergoing professional development in the Czech Republic. In addition, CzechInvest, a government agency, offers a wide range of services to support foreign investors and exporters, helping to bring Uzbekistan closer to the European market.
According to the Ambassador, the Czech Republic sees great potential for cooperation with Uzbekistan in mining, transport, water resource management, urban infrastructure development, the food and defense industries, and more. Czech export-oriented companies are eager to establish mutually beneficial partnerships in these areas. Although Uzbekistan is undergoing economic modernization and diversification, the Czech Republic is ready to become a long-term partner in this transformative process
