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

In Brussels, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov held a series of productive meetings aimed at strengthening partnerships with European institutions, attracting investment, and advancing joint projects in priority sectors of the economy. He also took part in the business forum “Uzbek Economy Days in Europe” was held, organized at the “Merode” residence in Brussels, by the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan (MIIT) jointly with the EuroUz Association, with the support of the European Commission and the European Investment Bank. The event brought together 150 representatives of the business communities of Uzbekistan and EU member states.

The opening session featured remarks by Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov, and Chairman of EuroUz Pierre-Paul Anthoniusens.

In his address, Minister Kudratov noted that mutual trade between Uzbekistan and the European Union has nearly doubled in recent years — from USD 3.2 billion in 2018 to USD 6.3 billion in 2024, reaching USD 4.5 billion (+9%) in January–August 2025. He emphasized that Uzbekistan’s participation in the GSP+ system has provided national producers with broad access to the European market, boosting exports and supporting the establishment of joint manufacturing ventures.

Minister Kudratov presented the ongoing reforms under the Uzbekistan-2030 strategy, aimed at economic liberalization, the development of digital and green technologies, improvement of the investment climate, and support for the private sector. Special attention was given to cooperation in four priority areas — the mining industry and critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, digitalization, and the food industry.

The forum featured panel sessions on the topics “Uzbekistan – a New Global Hub for Business and Investment,” “Uzbekistan at the Crossroads of Eurasian Connectivity,” and “Sustainable Water Use and Critical Raw Materials: Regional and Global Perspectives.” Among the speakers were representatives of the European Investment Bank, OECD, and major companies including Greystar Real Estate Partners, SUEZ, and SES.

During the document-exchange ceremony, eight agreements and memoranda were signed in the fields of investment, logistics, pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, and industrial cooperation. These included an Agreement between MIIT and EuroUz, contracts for cable product supplies, and cooperation agreements between Uzkimyosanoat and NEXTCHEM S.p.A., the joint venture UZ-SAT and the companies SES and VEON, among others.

The forum served as an effective platform for constructive dialogue between government agencies, business circles, and financial institutions of Europe and Uzbekistan, reaffirming the high level of mutual trust and interest in expanding long-term partnership.