President Shavkat Mirziyoyev hosted the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who serves as the chairman of the Institute for Global Change, on June 25.
The head of state highlighted that cooperation with the institute has reached a new level, noting the steady growth of trade and economic relations with the United Kingdom.
"Both trade turnover and the scale of investments are growing. As you know, our IPO process was recently carried out successfully on the London Stock Exchange. Representatives of British businesses actively participated in the Tashkent International Investment Forum. Your feedback and comments regarding my speech at the forum provided great support for us," he noted.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev also stated that Tony Blair's activities as a member of the Executive Council of the Peace Council hold significant importance for him.
According to the president, Uzbekistan intends to attract leading global investors through newly established domestic institutions.
"We have launched an initiative to attract top global investors through the Tashkent International Financial Centre and the International Digital Technologies Centre. It is crucial for us that investors operate effectively within these hubs," he said.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev also emphasized the need to begin working on a long-term development strategy for the nation.
"We must begin working on the Uzbekistan 2050 development concept without delay. This matter is of particular importance to me. I also invite you to take part in the Global Development Forum," Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced.
Tony Blair thanked the president for the meeting and shared his impressions of visiting the Center of Islamic Civilization, noting that it "will become a symbol of Uzbekistan's cultural heritage."
He also highly praised the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan and the country's rising investment attractiveness.
Tony Blair noted that he sees significant opportunities for cooperation between the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan across the economic, financial, legal infrastructure, technology, critical minerals, pharmaceutical, and innovation sectors.
According to him, British expertise could prove valuable to Uzbekistan in establishing financial centers and incorporating elements of English common law.
"We are also ready to share our experience in technology, artificial intelligence regulation, governance standards, and strategic communications," the former prime minister said.
He also acknowledged Uzbekistan's involvement in international initiatives aimed at ensuring peace and security.
"Important international negotiations regarding Gaza are scheduled for the coming days. The primary goal is to ensure regional security, launch reconstruction processes, and establish sustainable governance mechanisms. We are ready to keep you regularly updated on these developments," he stated.
Following the meeting, Tony Blair told the Uzbekistan 24 television channel in an interview that Central Asia is becoming one of the most promising regions in the world.
"Both in the East and the West, the states of this region are increasingly recognized as reliable and dynamically developing partners," he noted.
Tony Blair added that a key area of cooperation will be the development of artificial intelligence and the technological ecosystem. "One of the main focuses of our collaboration will be expanding the use of artificial intelligence and developing the technological ecosystem. Your country possesses all the necessary conditions for this," he declared.
He also linked the growth of green energy in Uzbekistan with opportunities for establishing data centers.
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