Uzbekistan Strengthens Economic Ties with Europe at "Days of Uzbek Economy" Forum in Brussels

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, has led a series of strategic meetings in Brussels aimed at deepening partnerships with European institutions, boosting investment, and expanding joint projects in key economic sectors.

A highlight of the visit was the “Days of the Uzbek Economy in Europe” business forum, organized by the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (MIIT) and EuroUz, with the support of the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The event, held at the Mérode Residence, gathered over 150 business leaders from Uzbekistan and EU member states.

The opening session featured high-level speakers including Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal, Kudratov, Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, and EuroUz Board Chairman Pierre-Paul Antheunissens.

In his address, Kudratov highlighted the rapid growth in Uzbekistan-EU trade, which has nearly doubled in recent years-from $3.2 billion in 2018 to $6.3 billion in 2024, reaching $4.5 billion in just the first eight months of 2025. He emphasized that Uzbekistan’s participation in the GSP+ system offers new export opportunities and encourages joint industrial ventures.

Kudratov also presented key reforms under the “Uzbekistan-2030” strategy, focusing on economic liberalization, digital and green technologies, and private sector support.

Four priority cooperation areas were outlined: mining and critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, digitalization, and the food industry.

Panel discussions explored topics such as “Uzbekistan - A New Global Hub for Business and Investment”, “Uzbekistan at the Crossroads of Eurasian Interconnectivity”, and “Sustainable Water Use and Critical Raw Materials”, featuring experts from the European Investment Bank, OECD, SUEZ, SES, and other global companies.

The event concluded with the signing of eight agreements and memorandums in sectors including investment, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and digital technologies. Among them were cooperation deals between MIIT and EuroUz, Uzkimyosanoat and NEXTCHEM S.P.A., and JV UZ-SAT with SES and VEON.

The forum reaffirmed the high level of trust and mutual interest between Uzbekistan and Europe, serving as a dynamic platform for dialogue and partnership between government agencies, businesses, and financial institutions.