The Europe-Uzbekistan Association for Economic Cooperation (EUROUZ) hosted the flagship international forum “Uzbekistan Economic Day in Europe”, bringing together senior policymakers, business leaders, and representatives of international institutions to discuss new opportunities for investment, trade, and innovation between the European Union and Uzbekistan.

The event took place on the eve of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Brussels on 23–24 October. The event served as the premier annual platform connecting Uzbekistan’s rapidly modernizing economy with Europe’s business and policy community. With more than 250 participants attending in person and online.

The event demonstrated EUROUZ’s growing role as a bridge between European markets and Uzbekistan’s reform-driven economic transformation.

The forum opened with welcoming remarks by Teresa Ribera - Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition; Laziz Kudratov - Minister of 1 Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan; and Pierre-Paul Antheunissens, Chairman of the Board of EUROUZ and CEO of EDF Central Asia. In their addresses, the speakers highlighted the deepening partnership between Uzbekistan and the European Union, built upon mutual economic interests, shared values of sustainable development, and a common ambition to strengthen Eurasian connectivity. The welcoming session set a forward-looking tone for the day, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to translating Uzbekistan’s reform agenda into tangible partnerships, joint projects, and expanded access to European markets.

The first thematic session, “Uzbekistan as a New Global Business Hub,” brought attention to Uzbekistan’s fast-growing investment climate, the modernization of its industrial and financial sectors, and its emergence as one of Central Asia’s most attractive destinations for international investors. The panel featured Edvardas Bumsteinas, Head of Asia and Pacific Division at the European Investment Bank; Abdulla Azizov, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency; and Vsevolod Li, CEO of the European representative Office of IT Park Uzbekistan. The speakers emphasized that Uzbekistan’s economic liberalization, diversification of exports, and digital transformation have positioned the country as a strategic node in regional trade and technology value chains.

A key moment of the forum was the exchange of agreements and memorandums between Uzbek and European institutions, highlighting the event’s practical impact and growing economic cooperation. Exchanges were among UZ-SAT JV LLC, SES, and VEON (Beeline) on project implementation in telecommunications; JSC Uzkimyosanoat and NEXTCHEM S.p.A. on industrial cooperation; and ProCab JV LLC and Admetos Trading GmbH on cable product supplies. In addition, the Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with Schaeffer Nutraceuticals (Germany), while the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan formalized new partnerships with the Europe–Uzbekistan Association for Economic Cooperation (EUROUZ), Ahlers Logistics, Bluemont, and AIM Group through a series of memoranda and partnership action plans. These agreements underline the forum’s role in translating dialogue into concrete cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union.

The second panel, “Uzbekistan at the Crossroads of Eurasian Connectivity,” examined the country’s evolving role as a transport, logistics, and financial bridge between Europe and Asia. The session featured Peteris Ustubs (European Union), Céleste Laporte Talamon (OECD), Davide Monguzzi (European Investment Bank) and Calin Nicolae Anton (GREYSTAR Real Estate Partners). Participants discussed current progress in developing infrastructure corridors, investment in sustainable logistics, and harmonization of technical and financial standards to strengthen cross-border cooperation. They also noted that closer alignment with European practices in corporate governance, public–private partnerships, and financial transparency will be instrumental for Uzbekistan’s continued integration into regional and global markets.

The following panel, “Water Sustainability and Critical Raw Materials” addressed the strategic importance of Uzbekistan’s natural resource base for the European Union’s clean energy transition. Charlotte Adriaen, Head of DG INTPA at the European Commission, Atabek 2 Alimdjanov, Deputy Secretary General of EUROUZ and Head of Tashkent Branch, Han Ilhan, Advisor to the Chairman of Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex, and Silvere Delaunay, SVP and CEO for Central Asia & Caucasus at Suez, explored the potential for joint ventures in mining, processing, and sustainable use of critical raw materials and water treatment and management processes. The discussion underscored the need for responsible resource management, transparency in supply chains, and ESG-compliant frameworks to ensure that resource-based cooperation contributes to both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

The afternoon session, “Uzbekistan as a Global IT Hub,” was led by Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan. Minister Shermatov presented Uzbekistan’s rapidly expanding digital economy, the success of its IT Park, and the government’s broader strategy to position the country as a regional leader in digital innovation. He noted that the IT sector is becoming a new pillar of bilateral economic cooperation, providing opportunities for joint projects in software development, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. The audience also heard perspectives from private sector representatives and investors highlighting Uzbekistan’s young talent pool, favorable regulatory environment, and growing export capacity in IT services.

In his closing remarks, Oybek Shaykhov, Secretary-General of EUROUZ, reflected on the achievements of the day and the Association’s mission to provide a trusted institutional platform for dialogue between Europe and Uzbekistan. He emphasized the need to translate discussions into practical outcomes, joint investments, and sustained cooperation across sectors.

The event concluded with a networking lunch, where participants continued informal exchanges on potential partnerships, new investment projects, and institutional cooperation. The atmosphere of collaboration and optimism reflected the shared understanding that Uzbekistan’s integration with European markets represents not only economic opportunity but also a strategic partnership grounded in mutual interests and long-term vision.

EUROUZ extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, partners, and participants for their contributions to making Uzbekistan Economic Day in Europe 2025 a success. The Association also acknowledges the strong support of the European Investment Bank, OECD, European Commission, and numerous private sector partners that contributed to the dialogue. As Uzbekistan continues to implement bold reforms aimed at diversification, innovation, and sustainability, EUROUZ remains committed to supporting its members and stakeholders through dedicated initiatives, knowledge sharing, and international engagement. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration between Europe and Uzbekistan, EUROUZ continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the economic bridge that connects Central Asia to the European Union.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors and partners the Ministry of Investment, Industry & Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as the European Investment Bank, Wallonia Export & Investment Agency, IT Park Uzbekistan, VEON, EastCham Finland, 3 SUEZ, Lawday, and WR Group for their invaluable support and collaboration in advancing this shared vision.

EUROUZ, the Europe-Uzbekistan Association for Economic Cooperation, is an international business association & a European Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan, working to provide comprehensive support to its members to understand their target market, build more robust business networks & enable a better dialogue with both public & private stakeholders. EUROUZ is a recognized European non-profit, non-commercial association with headquarters in Brussels & a full official branch office in Tashkent. Its members fully fund EUROUZ through membership fees. Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.