The First Uzbekistan-Croatia Business Forum Held in Tashkent

On December 11, the International Business Center in Tashkent hosted the first Uzbekistan-Croatia Business Forum, marking a significant milestone in strengthening trade, economic, and investment ties between the two countries.

The forum was co-chaired by the Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, and the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, Gordan Grlić Radman.

The event brought together key officials from relevant ministries and agencies, leading Uzbek business representatives, and delegates from over 50 prominent Croatian companies, including Apiherbal Ltd, Legio Nordica, Osam Nula Tri, Đuro Đaković Montaža-Izolak, Matison, Infobip, Span d.d., and Podravka, among others.

In his opening address, Minister Laziz Kudratov underscored the critical importance of fostering deeper connections between the two nations’ business communities. He emphasized the need to capitalize on Uzbekistan’s preferential access to European markets under the “GSP+” framework and to seize opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in the era of global digital transformation.

The forum also showcased Uzbekistan’s pro-business environment, highlighting measures to protect entrepreneurs’ rights, the country’s robust investment and industrial potential, and its advancements in digital technologies, education, pharmaceutical manufacturing, the food industry, and agriculture.

One of the forum’s key highlights was the organization of B2B and B2G meetings, which provided an effective platform for participants to forge meaningful partnerships, discuss the implementation of promising joint projects, and negotiate mutually beneficial trade agreements.

Industry experts hailed the forum as a pivotal event for exchanging ideas and identifying new opportunities for collaboration. The agreements and partnerships formed during the event are expected to lay a strong foundation for further deepening economic and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Croatia.