Round table on geo-economics and EU-Uzbekistan relations at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Brussels – 11 December 2024

Photo by Derya Soysal

On 11 December, a round table on geo-economics and EU-Uzbekistan relations was held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Brussels, writes Derya Soysal.

The event was moderated by Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, Managing Director of the European Neighbourhood Council (ENC). Several prominent speakers participated, including:

• Mr. Sodyq Safoev, Vice Chairman of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy;

• Mr. Obid Khakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reform under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Head of Delegation;

• Mr. Andrea Rossi, Deputy Head of the Division for Central Asia at the European External Action Service (EEAS);

• Ms. Fabienne Bossuyt, ENC Academic Council Member and Associate Professor at Ghent University;

• Mr. Eldor Tulyakov, Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center;

• Mr. Kadri Tastan, Senior Fellow at the German Marshall Fund;

• Mr. Javlon Vakhabov, Director of the International Institute for Central Asia.

Key Points from the Discussions

1. Mr. Sodyq Safoev – Strengthening Cooperation with Europe and Central Asia

Photo by Derya Soysal

Mr. Safoev emphasized the need to strengthen EU-Uzbekistan cooperation as well as broader regional collaboration with Central Asia. He underlined that “Central Asian countries cannot survive by themselves” and stressed the importance of being “closer to each other.” He stated, “We have to collaborate with all” and highlighted that “the success of each country depends on the success of the others.”

Mr. Safoev illustrated Uzbekistan’s growing proximity to Europe by referencing high-level visits, such as President Mirziyoyev’s trip to Budapest in August 2023 and his two visits to Paris. He also announced that Uzbekistan will soon open a new embassy in Stockholm. Additionally, he mentioned the visits of key European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, to Tashkent. According to Mr. Safoev, these diplomatic efforts aim to strengthen multifaceted cooperation and build a bridge between Europe and Asia.

2. Dr. Obid Khakimov – The Role of Central Asia in Europe’s Green Energy Transition

Dr. Obid Khakimov highlighted Central Asia’s potential role as a key supplier of raw materials for clean energy technologies needed for Europe’s green transition. He also noted that “Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan intend to start exporting green energy to Europe via deep-sea cables under the Caspian and Black Seas.”

Dr. Khakimov emphasized the strategic importance of developing the Trans-Caspian Corridor, as it would increase freight volume, boost total trade between the EU and Central Asia, and facilitate energy exports. He concluded by underscoring the Uzbek government’s commitment to energy transition, referencing large-scale solar energy projects currently being implemented across the country.

3. Mr. Eldor Tulyakov – Integrating Uzbekistan into Global Production and Supply Chains

Mr. Eldor Tulyakov focused on Uzbekistan’s reforms and strategies aimed at integrating the country into global production and supply chains. He emphasized that Uzbekistan’s open foreign policy prioritizes building strong international partnerships. He noted that Uzbekistan has established diplomatic relations with over 180 countries and actively participates in global organizations such as the United Nations and the OSCE, with ongoing plans to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).

According to Mr. Tulyakov, Uzbekistan’s strategic collaboration with the European Union is a cornerstone of its foreign policy. He highlighted the country’s rapid rise in foreign investment, reporting a sixfold increase that has created 1.5 million high-paying jobs.

He also discussed Uzbekistan’s “Digital Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy, which aims to integrate digital technologies into the country’s economic and social systems. Key achievements include:

• $344 million in IT service exports in 2023;

• Broadband access reaching 98% of the population and the installation of 227,000 km of optical fiber;

• The establishment of technoparks like the Tashkent IT Park, which now supports 1,700 companies and employs 26,000 specialists;

• The use of artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing, and other advanced technologies to drive innovation in agriculture, healthcare, and banking.

Conclusion

The discussions at the round table highlighted the growing intensity of EU-Uzbekistan cooperation, with both sides advancing towards a strategic partnership. Uzbekistan’s comprehensive reforms, sustainable development initiatives, and enhanced global cooperation are driving this shift.

The country is also carving out a significant role in global production and supply chains by embracing innovation, modernizing infrastructure, and promoting a green economy. As an active participant in international initiatives, Uzbekistan is strengthening its partnerships with the EU and other global stakeholders, positioning itself as a key player in the global economy.

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