Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan continues to actively develop trade and economic relations with European Union member states, steadily expanding its network of international partners. On April 18, the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, held a meeting with Professor Zlatko Šabič, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Slovenia on International Relations and Professor at the University of Ljubljana.

The discussion centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Slovenia, particularly in the areas of trade, economics, and investment.

As of the end of 2024, trade turnover between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Slovenia exceeded $175 million, with a 25% increase in exports compared to the previous year. Notably, in the first quarter of 2025 alone, trade turnover reached $127 million, marked by a more than twentyfold increase in exports and a 10% decrease in imports.

Both sides agreed on the necessity of leveraging all available tools and platforms to boost business engagement. Proposed initiatives include joint events and exhibitions, business missions, and efforts to increase awareness among entrepreneurs of the investment opportunities in both countries.

The meeting also highlighted the significant export potential of both Uzbekistan and Slovenia. Discussions touched on preferential access to major regional markets and Uzbekistan’s current status as a beneficiary of the EU’s GSP+ system. Uzbekistan’s extensive network of free economic and industrial zones was also presented as a platform for producing and exporting high value-added goods.

In the context of expanding economic cooperation, particular emphasis was placed on developing strategic partnerships in high-tech industries, healthcare, sustainable energy, and digital transformation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening multi-level dialogue and agreed on a set of joint measures to further increase trade turnover, promote industrial cooperation, and implement collaborative projects, including by strengthening direct ties between the business communities of both nations.