The 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. Uzbekistan will take an active part in this international climate forum, presenting national initiatives, forward-looking projects and practical experience in addressing climate change, protecting the environment and transitioning to a green economy.

One of the main platforms for the country’s participation will be the Uzbekistan National Pavilion, which will operate from 8 to 20 November. It will host an extensive programme of thematic events involving representatives of government agencies, international organisations, financial institutions, the research community, the private sector and young people. The programme will focus on promoting national climate priorities, expanding international partnerships and mobilising investment for environmental and climate-related projects.

In recent years, under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the country has undertaken large-scale reforms aimed at environmental protection, climate action, the development of a green economy and the sustainable use of natural resources. Particular attention is being paid to the introduction of modern technologies, the advancement of environmental science and the strengthening of the country’s research and educational capacity.

The National Centre for Climate Change and Green University operate under the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, providing scientific, analytical and expert support for environmental and climate policy. The Centre contributes to the development of national climate policy documents, the preparation of projects on adaptation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and the mobilisation of international climate finance. Green University advances research in ecology, climate change and the restoration of natural ecosystems. In 2026, the University opened an innovative laboratory for forest and ornamental plants, as well as an In Vitro laboratory for producing high-quality planting material.

At COP31, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change and its affiliated organisations will present initiatives in climate finance, environmental monitoring and the restoration of natural ecosystems. Uzbekistan’s participation will provide an opportunity to demonstrate to international partners the results of the ongoing reforms and the country’s practical steps towards a sustainable and environmentally sound future.

From climate commitments to practical results

One of the key areas of Uzbekistan’s participation will be the implementation of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). Under the target set, the country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 50 per cent by 2035, compared with 2010 levels.

At COP31, Uzbekistan plans to present its national approaches to achieving this target, including the expansion of renewable energy, improvements in energy efficiency, the introduction of modern technologies and stronger climate resilience across various sectors of the economy.

Several events at the National Pavilion will focus on this agenda, including a session entitled “Implementing Uzbekistan’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0): From Climate Commitments to Practical Action”, as well as discussions on industrial decarbonisation, climate finance and the development of carbon markets.

Another important area will be Uzbekistan’s participation in the international Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE) initiative. Uzbekistan is one of five pilot countries in this initiative, which is being implemented under the COP31 Presidency with the participation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative aims to help translate national climate plans into concrete investment projects, facilitate access to international finance and provide expert support.

Climate adaptation and water security: shared regional priorities

Climate change adaptation, the sustainable use of water resources and strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable areas will feature prominently in Uzbekistan’s agenda.

The National Pavilion will host thematic discussions on water and climate resilience in Central Asia, agricultural adaptation, land restoration and strengthening the resilience of the Aral Sea region.

Particular attention will also be given to climate risks in mountain regions, food security, and the impact of changing water and climate conditions on the country’s economy.

Promoting cooperation on climate-induced human mobility will be another important regional initiative. On 10 November, the Uzbekistan National Pavilion will host a high-level event entitled “Facilitating Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change: Towards the Silk Road Declaration on Climate Mobility”.

The event is expected to see the signing of the Silk Road Declaration on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change by the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

The document is intended to provide a regional framework for strengthening cooperation on climate-related migration, protecting vulnerable communities and developing coordinated approaches to addressing the impacts of climate change.

Uzbekistan will also contribute to advancing joint regional projects. In particular, the launch of a trilateral AFOLU project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and involving Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, is scheduled for 9 November.

Ecosystem restoration, afforestation and biodiversity conservation

Another priority will be to present Uzbekistan’s initiatives in nature conservation and the restoration of natural ecosystems.

The international platform will showcase approaches to implementing the nationwide Yashil Makon (Green Space) project, establishing forest plantations on the dried bed of the Aral Sea, combating desertification, restoring degraded land and conserving biodiversity.

The pavilion programme will include discussions on scaling up nature-based solutions, developing forestry and landscape projects, and using carbon markets to mobilise additional resources for environmental initiatives.

The initiative to proclaim the 2027–2036 period the United Nations Decade of Action for Afforestation and Reforestation is of particular significance. On 17 November, Uzbekistan and the Republic of the Congo will present this global initiative and hold a dialogue on international partnerships in this area.

Other events will address synergies among international environmental conventions in the Aral Sea region, the sustainable management of land and water resources, and the conservation of natural heritage.

Green economy, climate finance and innovation

A substantial part of the programme will focus on mobilising climate investment, developing the circular economy and introducing innovative technologies.

Participants will discuss, among other topics, the role of financial institutions and banks in mobilising climate finance, investment opportunities in sustainable agriculture, and the development of a Central Asian carbon credit standard for drylands.

Separate sessions will address sound waste management, the development of the circular economy, industrial decarbonisation and more efficient use of natural resources.

The science and technology agenda will include discussions on greenhouse gas emissions monitoring, assessing solar energy potential, digital meteorology and the application of artificial intelligence to improve forecasting and early warning systems.

The development of climate-resilient cities will also be an important area of focus. Participants will consider integrated urban planning, the expansion of public green spaces and the incorporation of nature-based solutions into urban infrastructure.

Youth and environmental education: investing in the future

Promoting environmental education initiatives and engaging young people in the climate agenda will be an important part of Uzbekistan’s participation.

The National Pavilion will host events on developing a network of eco-schools, nurturing a new generation of climate leaders and supporting youth-led initiatives.

Particular attention will be paid to practical mechanisms for youth participation in implementing climate solutions, fostering environmental awareness and expanding educational opportunities.

Overall, Uzbekistan’s programme at COP31 covers a broad range of interconnected priorities, from emissions reduction and climate change adaptation to ecosystem restoration, the development of a green economy and stronger regional cooperation.

The country’s participation in the conference will provide an important opportunity to share national experience with the international community, advance joint initiatives, expand partnerships and mobilise additional resources for climate projects.

The overarching objective is to move from stated climate goals to concrete action, investment and results that contribute to the environmental sustainability of Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.

Zilola Akhmedova,

Dunyo IA.

At the border checkpoint, the line moves slowly forward. A border guard opens a passport, glances through its pages for a second, and presses down a fresh stamp. The traveler continues on their way undisturbed. At first glance, this is an ordinary, everyday procedure. Yet behind those few seconds lie years of intergovernmental negotiations, complex agreements, mutual trust and balanced diplomacy.

On the eve of the 35^th Anniversary of Independence, looking back at the path Uzbekistan has traversed, one can say with confidence that one of its most critical achievements has been the creation of an atmosphere of open and trusting good-neighborliness.

After all, Independence is not merely political sovereignty. Independence is a nation's right to live freely, to determine its own destiny, to build peaceful and mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring states, and to engage in equal dialogue with the global community.

However, today's open borders and the environment of trustful good-neighborliness did not emerge on their own. Borders test not only history, but diplomacy itself. What now seems natural and familiar is the result of years of painstaking work, political will and a shared commitment to consensus.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, five Independent States appeared on the map of Central Asia. While political sovereignty was proclaimed, a significant portion of state borders remained unratified under international law. Lines that were considered mere administrative boundaries during the Soviet era turned into international frontiers overnight. The situation was particularly complex in the Fergana Valley, where borders cut through residential settlements, irrigation systems, pastures and motorways.

In those years, border demarcation was more than a political or legal issue - it directly impacted the daily lives of thousands of people. To travel from one village to a neighboring one located across the border, residents often had to make a detour of dozens of kilometers. Family visits became complicated and logistics costs for local entrepreneurs surged dramatically.

In this context, I would like to share a childhood story that deeply impacted me and one I still cannot recall without tears.

Exactly fourteen years ago, when I was twelve years old, my parents and I went on a trip across Uzbekistan. Along the way, we stopped for lunch. A woman was sitting at the adjacent table. Watching my father and me laugh and joke lightheartedly, she suddenly burst into tears. For a moment, I was confused and did not know what to do. Then she spoke:

“My name is Gulzoda. I was also the only and beloved daughter of my father. When I grew up, I married into a neighboring village. Only ten to fifteen minutes separated us from my parents' home. But then the border divided us. Our village remained in Uzbekistan, while my parents ended up in Tajikistan...”

She paused for a second as tears rolled down her cheeks again.

“A few years later, my father passed away. And I could not be there to bid him a final farewell. They did not let me cross the border...”

Now that I am older, I understand that a border is not just a line on a map. It is something that can profoundly shape human destinies.

Therefore, resolving border issues meant far more than simply drawing state lines. It restored trust between nations, served as a crucial step toward reviving economic ties, and laid a solid foundation for the overall development of the entire region.

A New Diplomatic Paradigm

Ongoing shifts in the global geopolitical landscape demanded new approaches, different policies and a fresh mindset capable of securing a strong international standing for the nation. It was under these conditions that the past decade became a period of profound transformation, new opportunities and rapid progress for Uzbekistan.

Foreign policy of New Uzbekistan designated Central Asia as its core priority. Open dialogue with neighboring states, practical cooperation, and the principle of mutual benefit formed the bedrock of this new diplomatic strategy. Its core idea was straightforward: the sustainable development of the region depends not on the isolated achievements of individual states, but on the harmonious alignment of their shared interests.

This policy translated into concrete action through the opening of new border crossing points, the revival of transport links and the steady expansion of trade and economic ties.

For instance, on March 1^st, 2018, “Jartepa – Sarazm” checkpoints on the Uzbek-Tajik border resumed operations. In August 2025, “Khovosobod – Zafarobod” and “Bekobod Auto – Khashtiyak” checkpoints in the Syrdarya region were officially granted international status. This enabled seamless border crossings for third-country citizens as well as passenger vehicles.

Along the Kyrgyz border, “Uch-Kurgan Auto” checkpoint in the Namangan region and the “Ken-Sai Auto” checkpoint in Kyrgyzstan were reopened. Today, they serve as a major transport corridor capable of processing over 500 cargo trucks and 300 passenger cars daily. Operations were also restored at the “Khanabad – Bek-Abad” checkpoints connecting the Andijan region with Kyrgyzstan, alongside the opening of the modern “Mingtepa – Kara-Bagysh” post. Furthermore, “Ak-Kiya” checkpoint leading to Shakhimardan and “Chashma” checkpoint serving the Sokh district were modernized and converted to 24/7 operations. On the border between the Fergana and Batken regions, new “Sogment – Chorbagh” border complex was launched.

On the Uzbek-Turkmen border, a New Free Trade Zone was launched near the “Shavat – Dashoguz” border checkpoint in the adjacent territories of the Khorezm and Dashoguz regions.

On the Kazakh front, the largest and busiest checkpoint, “Gishtkuprik – Zhibek Zholy”, underwent large-scale reconstruction. As a result, its daily capacity increased from 30,000 to 70,000 people, while its vehicle processing capacity exceeded 2,000 passenger cars per day. “Navoi – Kaplanbek” checkpoint in the Tashkent region was similarly modernized: traffic lanes were expanded from two to six, reducing average border crossing times to 30 minutes.

March 31^st, 2025, holds a special place in the modern history of Central Asia. On this day in Khujand, one of the region's most significant political and diplomatic events took place. Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Emomali Rahmon and Sadyr Japarov signed a historic Treaty on the Junction Point of the State Borders of the three nations. Simultaneously, Khujand Declaration was adopted and a symbolic Friendship Stele was unveiled at the border intersection.

History values specific documents not only for their legal weight, but for their power to transform the spirit of an era. The landmark agreements reached in Khujand marked the beginning of a fundamentally new chapter in Central Asian diplomacy. The legal settlement of border issues - long one of the region's most complex challenges - transformed not only the nature of relations between the three states, but the entire political climate of Central Asia, positively impacting the lives of millions today and for generations to come.

In geopolitics, trust is considered one of the most valuable assets. Where trust takes root, new transport corridors open, investments flow, trade volumes grow and security strengthens.

Concrete numbers clearly illustrate the practical outcomes of this trust. While Uzbekistan's trade turnover with Central Asian countries stood at approximately $2.5 billion in 2016, it exceeded $8 billion by the end of 2025.

Bilateral trade with Kazakhstan reached $5 billion, accounting for 60.2% of Uzbekistan's total regional trade. Trade volume with Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan reached $1.2 billion each, while trade turnover with Tajikistan surpassed $900 million.

Global Recognition and a New Geopolitical Reality

In recent years, regional cooperation initiatives put forward by Uzbekistan have gained strong backing within the United Nations. The adoption of UN General Assembly resolutions aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and sustainable development in Central Asia serves as practical proof that Uzbekistan's foreign policy is earning international confidence.

In the assessments of international experts, Central Asia is increasingly viewed as a region moving along a shared course, bound by solidarity, brotherhood, and common aspirations for the future. Uzbekistan's policy of resolving issues with neighboring states through negotiation has fostered mutual trust, accelerated transport and logistics projects, and created a more favorable climate for foreign investors. Particular significance is attached to the legal resolution of border issues, which is seen as a key step toward transforming Central Asia into a unified, interconnected economic space.

Specifically, according to Li Yonghui, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, President of Uzbekistan's visit to Khujand and his trilateral meeting with the leaders of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan represented a pivotal moment in strengthening regional cooperation and stability in Central Asia. “The unveiling of the Friendship Stele symbolizes the strengthening of good-neighborly relations, trust, and strategic partnership among the three brotherly nations”, the expert noted.

Tazin Akhtar, Editor of “Pakistan in the World”, highlighted:

“In an era of global instability, strengthening regional alliances provides a solid foundation for stability and mutual support. Achievements in border delimitation, rising trade volumes, and joint infrastructure projects make Central Asia more open to external partnerships. Uzbekistan has demonstrated a firm commitment to constructive diplomacy, creation, and integration”.

Overall, Uzbekistan's foreign policy today built on openness, pragmatism and mutual benefit is cultivating a new atmosphere of friendship and trust across Central Asia. Borders between neighboring brotherly states have transformed from dividing lines into symbols of cooperation, trade and dialogue.

Return to the Border Post

...The border guard takes the next passport, verifies the document, applies the stamp and the gate opens. The traveler moves forward without looking back. They may not even realize how much political will sits behind that brief moment. Yet that is precisely the greatest success of state policy: it frees individuals from anxiety and obstacles on their journey, allowing them to focus on their goals and dreams.

Past decade of independence has been a period for New Uzbekistan not only to reinforce its sovereign statehood, but to construct a new architecture of trust and collaboration in Central Asia. Open borders, lasting good-neighborliness and the vision of shared development are now becoming part of everyday life.

Today, one of the priority areas of state policy in Uzbekistan is focused on expanding forested areas, increasing green coverage, mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, and ensuring environmental sustainability. In order to achieve effective results in these areas, studying advanced foreign experience and adapting it to the country’s climatic conditions is of particular importance. In this context, the participation of a delegation of representatives of the Forestry Agency under the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan in a training and practical seminar organized during their visit to the Republic of Turkey in October 2025 was of significant importance.

The seminar, organized in cooperation between the Forestry Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Turkey, enabled participants to familiarize themselves with Turkey’s experience in forest establishment, restoration, ecological classification, and sustainable forest management. In particular, on the first day of the seminar, Turkish specialist Ahmed Yalvach delivered a detailed presentation on modern approaches applied in the development of forestry.

Within the framework of the practical visit, Turkey’s advanced experience in establishing and managing nurseries, creating forests using the “terrace” method in mountainous areas, developing “green belts” around cities, and establishing green public parks in urban and district areas was studied.

In addition, members of the delegation closely examined the activities of nurseries operated by the Seydikemer and Gökova Forestry Departments located in Muğla Province. Notably, the Seydikemer nursery, established in 1983, covers an area of 144 hectares and has an annual production capacity of 1.5 million seedlings. The Gökova nursery, occupying more than 61 hectares, stands out with its capacity to produce up to 7 million seedlings per year.

It was emphasized that special attention to seed collection, storage, and laboratory analysis in these nurseries allows the production rate of high-quality seedlings and saplings to reach 90–95 percent. Participants studied the practical experience of Turkish specialists in establishing mother plantations, caring for seedlings and saplings, and grafting techniques.

The delegation members were also introduced to the use of greenhouses, in vitro laboratories, modern equipment, and mechanisms for managing seasonal work processes. The experience-sharing activities were conducted in an atmosphere of open dialogue and professional cooperation.

In conclusion, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkey in the forestry sector has acquired a practical dimension, contributing to the adoption of advanced practices, enhancement of specialists’ capacity, and the formation of a sustainable ecological environment in Uzbekistan. The knowledge and skills gained within the framework of this cooperation will play an important role in further improving the national forestry system.

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

On May 15, 2026, an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States will be held in the city of Turkestan.

The upcoming high-level event will serve as a vital platform for discussing pressing issues of cooperation and defining the next priority areas for the development of interaction among member states.

The formation of the Turkic integration space has a multi-century history, rooted not only in the commonality of language, culture, and historical heritage but also in the rich traditions of enlightenment and intellectual thought of the Turkic peoples. The Jadidism movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries played a pivotal role in shaping the ideas of cultural and spiritual rapprochement. Its representatives advocated for education, science, social modernization and the strengthening of ties between the Turkic nations.

The first summit of the heads of Turkic-speaking states was held in 1992 in Ankara at the initiative of Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Özal. In the 1996 Tashkent Declaration, the heads of state solidified the provision for establishing a Secretariat. Over the following years, this format evolved consistently, leading to the establishment of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States in Nakhchivan in 2009. At the 2021 Istanbul Summit, a decision was made to transform the entity into the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This reflected the expansion of the organization's activities and its growing international significance.

The primary objective of the organization is to develop comprehensive cooperation among the member states - Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan. Priority tasks include strengthening mutual trust and good-neighborly relations, coordinating foreign policy positions and expanding cooperation in trade, economic, transport, energy, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Special attention is paid to creating favourable conditions for trade and investment, developing scientific and technical cooperation and improving the living standards of the region's population.

The organizational structure of the OTS includes a number of key institutions that coordinate multilateral cooperation. The Council of Heads of State is the supreme body, which defines strategic development goals and holds regular meetings. The Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States serves in a consultative capacity. Bringing together influential representatives from member states, it serves to strengthen the traditions of mutual understanding and trust within the Turkic world.

Uzbekistan has been an active participant in the processes of bringing Turkic states closer and developing multilateral cooperation within this format from the very beginning. A new turning point was President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's participation as a guest of honour in the 6th Summit of Turkic-Speaking States, held on September 3, 2018, in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. This step provided a new impetus to the organization's development. In 2019, the Republic ratified the Nakhchivan Agreement, officially formalizing its full-fledged participation in the activities of the OTS.

With Uzbekistan’s accession, the organization’s activities and the cooperation agenda among member states have intensified significantly. At the summits held between 2019 and 2025, the President of Uzbekistan put forward 116 initiatives aimed at deepening multifaceted cooperation. To date, 64 of these have been implemented, with several other projects currently in their final stages. These figures demonstrate Uzbekistan’s systematic and practical approach toward developing integration processes within the Turkic space.

The implemented initiatives cover a comprehensive range of areas. In the fields of economy and transport, the introduction of the “e-Permit”, “Digital TIR” and “Green Corridor” systems - aimed at streamlining logistics processes and developing the region's transit potential - has been of particular importance. In the tourism sector, key highlights included the declaration of Kokand as the Tourism Capital of the Turkic World and the implementation of the “Tabarruk Ziyorat” (Sacred Pilgrimage) project, which serves to develop pilgrimage tourism.

Cooperation in the fields of youth policy, science, and education is developing actively. Youth leadership forums, international conferences, and events within the framework of the Turkic Universities Union are being held regularly. At the same time, significant attention is paid to innovative development - IT forums, startup platforms and meetings of sectoral agencies are organized, including cooperation in the space industry and defence sectors. This reflects the striving of member states to form a unified technological space.

Uzbekistan's chairmanship, which began following the outcomes of the 2022 Samarkand Summit, holds particular significance for the development of the Organization of Turkic States. During this period, the country not only intensified practical cooperation but also introduced institutional innovations to the organization's activities. In particular, for the first time, the practice of developing a comprehensive Concept and Action Plan for the chairmanship period was introduced. This made it possible to give the cooperation a more systematic and consistent character. Within the framework of the chairmanship, more than 100 events were held at various levels, covering key areas from economy and transport to science, culture and education.

Today, OTS agenda is being shaped taking into account the interests of all participating states, with each country contributing to the development of integration processes.

Economic cooperation within the OTS framework demonstrates steady positive growth. According to the results of recent years, Uzbekistan's trade turnover with the member states of the organization has been consistently increasing and exceeded USD 10.8 billion in 2025. Kazakhstan and Türkiye remain our country's primary trading partners. At the same time, an increase in bilateral trade with other member states is also being observed. This indicates the deepening of economic integration and cooperation ties within the region.

From this perspective, the upcoming summit of the Organization of Turkic States to be held in the city of Turkistan will serve as a vital platform for discussing future directions of multilateral cooperation and developing new joint initiatives. Given the summit's theme, special attention is expected to be paid to digital transformation, the development of joint innovation ecosystems, the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies, strengthening cooperation in digital infrastructure and the training of highly skilled modern personnel.

At the same time, discussions are planned to cover the strengthening of trade and economic ties, the development of transport and logistics connectivity, the expansion of investment cooperation, as well as the promotion of joint high-tech and innovative projects within the Turkic space.

According to experts, Uzbekistan, as a supporter of deepening practical cooperation and strengthening mutual trust within the Turkic space, will continue to actively contribute to the realization of the organization’s common goals. The expected agreements and initiatives are anticipated to provide a new impetus to integration processes, serve the sustainable development of the region, and further enhance the international prestige of the Organization of Turkic States.

Dunyo IA

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

In October, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a state visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, during which important decisions are expected to be made that will mark a qualitatively new stage in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union. In particular, the visit will feature the signing of the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively shaping a new framework of engagement with Europe – a key pillar of stability amid current geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty. The ties between Uzbekistan and European countries continue to grow, and the areas of cooperation are diversifying, supported by the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan.

Building a New Chapter in Relations

After gaining independence, Uzbekistan’s relations with the European Union developed dynamically. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Uzbekistan and the European Commission was signed in 1992, followed by the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994. The foundation of cooperation was laid by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in June 1996 and entering into force in 1999. However, at a certain stage, cooperation faced difficulties due to the insufficient pace of democratic reforms in Uzbekistan.

With the election of Shavkat Mirziyoyev as President, the situation changed dramatically. As early as 2017, during his visit to Tashkent, Stefano Manservisi, Director-General for International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission, stated that “the EU regards Uzbekistan as a strategic partner.” The sweeping democratic and economic reforms launched in Uzbekistan helped resolve within a short period many issues that had long remained unsolved. Forced labor was completely eradicated, and reforms in the cotton sector enabled the country to abandon raw cotton exports altogether.

As reforms advanced, the legal and institutional framework of relations with Europe expanded rapidly. While previously Uzbekistan and the EU granted each other most-favored-nation treatment under the PCA, in April 2021 the EU granted Uzbekistan GSP+ beneficiary status, and in 2022 the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) was initialed.

Along with internal transformation, Uzbekistan’s foreign policy architecture also changed. Priority was given to closer cooperation with neighboring Central Asian states, as well as the active expansion of ties with European countries – a vector that has strengthened steadily in recent years.

Just in the past year, Uzbekistan established strategic partnership relations with France, Italy, and Slovakia, while discussions on expanding strategic cooperation with Hungary continued. President Mirziyoyev also visited Slovenia, and Italy’s Prime Minister and Bulgaria’s President visited Uzbekistan.

A milestone in strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Europe, and between Europe and Central Asia as a whole – was the first EU–Central Asia Summit, held in Samarkand in April 2025 under the chairmanship of Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Uzbekistan presented a broad range of initiatives to create a new model of regional cooperation between Central Asia and Europe, including: a multilateral agreement on investment protection and promotion; the launch of a Central Asia–EU Joint Chamber of Commerce; the adoption of a regional support program for SMEs and women’s entrepreneurship; the establishment of an investment platform to promote regional projects in green energy, innovation, transport, infrastructure, and agriculture.

The Samarkand Summit was highly productive. A Joint Declaration was adopted, establishing a strategic partnership between the two regions in trade, transport, energy, digital connectivity, and water management. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU had prepared a €12 billion investment package for Central Asia under the Global Gateway initiative.

The Trajectory of Economic Cooperation

Uzbekistan’s deep democratic transformations have significantly improved relations with European countries. Economic reforms have enhanced the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s economy, stimulating investor confidence and growing interest from European businesses.

The results are impressive. Over the past 8 years, Uzbekistan’s GDP has doubled, reaching $115 billion in 2024. Since 2017, investment in fixed capital has totaled $240 billion, of which foreign investment exceeded $130 billion. The country’s foreign exchange reserves surpassed $48 billion for the first time in history. Structurally, the share of industry in the economy increased from 20% to 26%, and services from 44% to 47%. Labor productivity (GDP per employed person) rose by 45%.

As a result, opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between Uzbek and European businesses have expanded. Between 2017 and 2024, Uzbekistan’s trade with the EU increased 2.4 times to $6.4 billion; exports grew 3.6 times to $1.7 billion, and imports 2.2 times to $4.7 billion. In 2024, the EU’s share in Uzbekistan’s total trade turnover was 9.7%, in exports 6.3%, and in imports 12%. The EU ranked third among Uzbekistan’s trade partners, after China and Russia.

The EU’s share in Uzbekistan’s total exports increased from 3.8% to 6.3% over the same period. This growth was driven by Uzbekistan’s accession to the GSP+ preferential trade system, granting duty-free access to the EU market across roughly 6,200 tariff lines. The share of Uzbekistan’s exports benefiting from GSP+ reached 59%, with a preference utilization rate of 84%, indicating efficient use of trade benefits.

In 2024, Uzbekistan’s exports to the EU were dominated by chemical products (52.1%), as well as textiles, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, minerals, and food products. Among EU members, France accounted for 47.2% of exports, Lithuania for 10%, and Latvia for 6.9%.

Uzbekistan’s imports from the EU significantly exceeded exports – a reflection of the ongoing technological modernization of the national economy. Around 16% of Uzbekistan’s total imports of machinery, equipment, and transport vehicles come from EU countries.

Investment cooperation is also expanding rapidly. In 2024, foreign investments and loans from EU countries and their financial institutions increased by 77%, reaching $4.1 billion (compared to $2.3 billion in 2023). The most active investors were Germany ($1.37 billion), the Netherlands ($1.05 billion), Cyprus ($858.9 million), the Czech Republic ($137.8 million), Italy ($99.8 million), and Sweden ($97.5 million). Today, around 1,000 enterprises with EU capital operate in Uzbekistan, with a total project portfolio of €30 billion.

A special role in recent years belongs to the EBRD, of which Uzbekistan has become one of the largest beneficiaries. The Bank’s total investments in Uzbekistan’s economy exceeded €5 billion, including around €1 billion in 2024, primarily directed toward the private sector.

Reforms in Uzbekistan have become the key driver for unlocking the significant potential of trade and economic cooperation with the European Union.

Uzbekistan–Belgium

The upcoming visit will also focus on strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Belgium. Diplomatic relations were established following the opening of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Brussels in 1993. In 1996, the two countries signed an Agreement on avoidance of double taxation, and in 1998 – an Agreement on mutual protection and promotion of investments, which provide legal guarantees for investors in both states.

Business contacts have intensified in parallel with Uzbekistan’s reform agenda. The visits of 2019 and 2022 set the tone for cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and the digital economy. More important than the current trade volumes has been the recognition and support of Uzbekistan’s reforms by EU partners, laying the foundation for long-term engagement.

In 2024, bilateral trade amounted to $62.3 million, including $7.3 million in Uzbek exports and $55 million in imports. Investment cooperation is gaining momentum: several dozen companies with Belgian capital now operate in Uzbekistan, including wholly owned enterprises. New technologies are being localized, for example, Jaga Climate Designers is participating in a joint venture for heating and ventilation systems, and Picanol Group is localizing the assembly of high-tech textile machinery. Belgian brands Belcolade and Prefamac are exploring opportunities to launch chocolate production with subsequent localization.

Despite modest trade volumes, there is significant potential for expanding cooperation in several areas. Given Belgium’s leading role in pharmaceuticals and biomedical research and Uzbekistan’s growing pharmaceutical market, joint ventures or industrial clusters could be developed in this sector, involving companies such as UCB and Janssen Pharmaceutica.

There is also strong potential for joint fruit and vegetable processing projects in Uzbekistan, targeting exports to the EU via Belgian logistics hubs such as the Port of Antwerp and wholesale markets. Potential partners include Greenyard and Puratos. Direct seasonal exports of fresh fruits (e.g., grapes in autumn and winter), as well as dried vegetables, spices, and organic products, could also be expanded. In light industry, there is room to increase exports of ready-made knitwear and home textiles, provided European quality and safety standards are met. The market potential is evident – Belgium imported about $7.9 billion worth of clothing in 2024.

The main challenges remain logistics and standards. Belgium functions as a major EU maritime hub centered around Antwerp, while direct routes from Uzbekistan are still limited. The near-term priority should be pilot supply chains ensuring quality and traceability, the development of cold logistics, certification under EU technical and sanitary regulations, the use of Benelux consolidation hubs, and trade finance tools for SMEs. With the gradual development of new overland routes along the Middle Corridor, Uzbekistan will gain a stronger foothold in high value-added exports without higher costs or delivery delays.

Conclusion

Uzbekistan is entering a stage of deepened economic cooperation with the European Union. During the ongoing modernization and digital transformation of its economy, European investment, technology, education, and research experience can play a key role. At the same time, Uzbekistan seeks to expand exports of industrial goods as their quality improves.

Uzbekistan is also a rapidly growing market with a young and dynamic population, now reaching 38 million people – an 18% increase since 2017. Every year, around 700,000 economically active individuals enter the labor market, forming a substantial human resource base for the economy, including joint ventures.

As a result of poverty reduction policies, living standards and household incomes have risen significantly. Whereas a third of the population once lived below the poverty line, 7.5 million people have been lifted out of poverty, and the poverty rate declined to 8.9% in 2024, with plans to reduce it further to 6% this year. These policies not only address social challenges but also expand domestic demand, increasing the interest of European businesses in entering Uzbekistan’s market.

The further deepening of Uzbekistan’s economic engagement with the EU and Belgium is an objectively mutually beneficial process – one that will define the success of the upcoming state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Belgium.

The agreements expected to be signed will help advance joint projects in sustainable energy and infrastructure, strengthen transport and technological connectivity between Central Asia and Europe, and position Europe as a key partner in Uzbekistan’s long-term growth and modernization trajectory.

 Obid Khakimov,  

Director of the Center for
Economic Research and Reforms

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been informed of the work being done in the spiritual and educational sphere.

The main priority of transformations in multi-ethnic Uzbekistan is the comprehensive protection of the rights and freedoms of all its citizens. And one of the inalienable rights is freedom of religion. Therefore, all conditions are being created in our country so that believers can perform rituals and observe religious traditions.

It is worth emphasizing that the policy of New Uzbekistan in this area is receiving great recognition not only among our people, but also among the international community.

Thus, if in the early years of Uzbekistan's independence the number of compatriots honored with the holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina could be counted on fingers, these days more than 15 thousand Uzbeks are performing the sacred rites.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev's greeting to our people on the occasion of Kurban Hayit, his conversation with Chairman of the Muslim Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Khaliknazar on the pilgrimage of our compatriots have become one of the brightest pages of this year's Hajj season.

In a short period of time, Uzbekistan has created a comprehensive system of training qualified personnel in the religious and educational sphere. In order to study and popularize the rich scientific heritage of our scholars, research centers have been launched. Examples of this are the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the Mir Arab Higher Madrasa, the School of Hadith Studies, and the international research centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, and Imam Moturidi. Large-scale renovation and improvement of Imam Bukhari memorial complex is underway.

During today's meeting it was emphasized the necessity of wider study and propaganda of works of these great thinkers among the population, especially among the youth. Since it is in them that the true meaning of Islam, enlightening ideas of the Muslim religion are laid down. And it is especially actual now, in our troubled time, when all over the world various forces try to distort the essence of religion and to lead young people off the true path.

It was noted a great role in this work and those who now make pilgrimage in sacred Mecca. The pilgrims have recently made an appeal, where they expressed their readiness to contribute to the spiritual education of the younger generation in their districts, in their mahallas.

Also at the meeting, the head of state stressed that an important role in these processes should be played by the Center of Islamic Civilization, the activities of which will serve to widely acquaint our people and foreign guests with the invaluable heritage of ancestors, to promote the ideas of enlightened Islam. At present, scientists-historians and theologians are working on filling the activities of the center with new content.

Information about further plans of the center's activity was heard.

Ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s planned visit to Samarkand for the C5+1 summit, the Center for Economic Research and Reforms has examined the outlook for the Central Asia–U.S. platform and opportunities to further expand Uzbek-American cooperation.

History of Visits

Visits by U.S. secretaries of state to Uzbekistan date back to February 1992. John Kerry’s visit to Samarkand on November 1, 2015, was particularly significant: it brought together the foreign ministers of the five Central Asian countries and the United States for the first time, launching the C5+1 platform. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming trip continues the established practice of combining bilateral talks with regional dialogue.

The U.S. secretary of state is expected to arrive in Samarkand in mid-October 2026, leading a delegation representing more than 200 American companies. A C5+1 ministerial meeting has been announced, with the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan set to participate. Its stated priorities are regional economic connectivity, energy security, and joint responses to shared regional challenges. Talks with Uzbekistan’s leadership are also planned.

For Uzbekistan, the visit offers an opportunity to advance projects already agreed upon, attract technology, and improve access to international capital. The scale of the announced business delegation provides additional scope to pursue these objectives.

The Evolution of Central Asia Plus Frameworks

Regional frameworks involving external partners are becoming a regular feature of Central Asian diplomacy. In April 2025, Samarkand hosted the first Central Asia–European Union summit, which elevated relations to a strategic partnership. The second summit with China took place in Astana in June of the same year, followed by the first summit with Japan in Tokyo in December and the first summit with the Republic of Korea in Seoul in September 2026.

These platforms share much of their economic agenda: transportation, energy, critical raw materials, industry, and digital technology.

The C5+1 platform provides a dedicated channel for engagement with American businesses and financial institutions. Established in 2015, it covers the economy, energy and the environment, and security. A regional approach allows participants to address issues that extend beyond any single country, including transit, cross-border infrastructure, and supply chain resilience.

Bringing the five countries and prospective American investors together on one platform helps align national projects with the regional conditions needed to implement them.

Outcomes of the First C5+1 Summit

The first presidential-level C5+1 summit took place in New York on September 19, 2023. The inaugural Critical Minerals Dialogue followed in February 2024, and the first B5+1 business forum was held in Almaty in March. The latter created a channel for businesses to contribute to discussions on the investment climate and regional economic integration. The political platform thus gained both an industry-focused mechanism and a forum for business engagement.

The summit held at the White House on November 6, 2025, strengthened the commercial dimension of cooperation. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, trade and investment agreements worth more than $25 billion across Central Asia were announced at the accompanying business conference. They cover aviation, agricultural machinery, rail infrastructure, digital technology, and critical minerals extraction.

At the summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed closer coordination on investment and trade, the development of transport and energy projects linking Central Asia with the South Caucasus and Europe, and cooperation in the exploration, extraction, and value-added processing of critical minerals. His proposals also included holding the next summit in Samarkand.

The practical question for the next stage is whether high-level decisions are backed by adequate project preparation and financing. In aviation, this means aircraft delivery and operation; in industry, the construction and commissioning of production facilities; and in raw materials, the adoption of processing technologies and agreements with buyers.

Bilateral Meetings and New Investment Mechanisms

Regional cooperation rests on direct dialogue between Uzbekistan and the United States. During Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to the United States in May 2018, he held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, and the two countries adopted a joint statement marking the start of a “new era of strategic partnership.” The presidents met again in New York in September 2025 and held talks in Washington on November 6. In February 2026, the Uzbek president visited the U.S. capital for the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, with new bilateral agreements signed as part of the visit’s business program.

One outcome of the November talks was the establishment of the U.S.–Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council. It is co-chaired by Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of Uzbekistan’s Presidential Administration, and Sergio Gor on the American side. The Council’s responsibilities include supporting major trade and investment projects, monitoring the implementation of agreements, mobilizing financing, and promoting the services of IT Park resident companies, among other tasks.

The initial public offering (IPO) of the Uzbekistan National Investment Fund, or UzNIF, opened another channel to international capital. Its global depositary receipts were admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange on May 18, 2026. Managed by Franklin Templeton since 2025, the fund holds stakes in 13 state-owned enterprises. For Uzbek-American cooperation, its significance lies in the involvement of an American investment manager in transforming a portfolio of state-owned assets and improving access to global equity markets.

BlackRock represents another area of engagement. In Davos in January 2026, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed the acquisition of stakes in Uzbek enterprises and joint investment projects with BlackRock’s leadership. At a meeting in Tashkent on July 7, the priorities identified included privatization, financial markets, the fuel and energy sector, petrochemicals, and artificial intelligence technologies. These talks broaden opportunities for engagement with institutional investors.

A significant step has also been taken in cooperation with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). In February 2026, the parties agreed on the key terms for establishing a joint investment partnership. On June 16, DFC announced the launch of a U.S.–Uzbekistan investment platform involving the U.S. Export-Import Bank, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, and its Fund for Reconstruction and Development.

The platform’s priorities include energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, transportation and logistics, advanced manufacturing, information and communications technology, and pharmaceuticals. It is designed to attract private capital and participation from other financial institutions. Its significance lies in creating a mechanism to select and finance projects. This gives the October meeting a concrete basis for discussions on individual projects, their readiness, and the terms of partner participation.

Critical Minerals and Processing Opportunities

In September 2024, Uzbekistan and the United States signed a memorandum on a critical minerals partnership linked to initiatives from the 2023 C5+1 summit. In February 2026, the two countries signed an intergovernmental memorandum at the ministerial level on securing supplies through the extraction and processing of critical minerals and rare earth elements.

For Uzbekistan, the greatest returns are likely to come from developing production with higher added value. Where feasible, extraction should be complemented by ore beneficiation and further processing to produce materials that meet industrial customers’ requirements. The extent of processing, access to technology, training for local specialists, and the share of operations carried out domestically are therefore important considerations in evaluating joint projects.

Trade Trends and the Structure of Economic Ties

According to Uzbekistan’s National Statistics Committee, trade between Uzbekistan and the United States increased 4.7-fold between 2017 and 2025, from $215 million to approximately $1 billion. Exports rose from $32.1 million to $291.7 million, while imports increased from $182.9 million to $712.3 million. This trend reflects expanding ties, with purchases of American goods and services continuing to account for the larger share of bilateral trade.

In January–August 2026, bilateral trade reached $810.4 million, up 33.4% from the same period in 2025. Uzbekistan’s exports totaled $304.5 million, an increase of 59.9%, while imports reached $506 million, up 21.3%. The U.S. share of Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade rose from 1.1% to 1.4%.

Services accounted for $224.8 million, or 73.8%, of exports during the first eight months of 2026. Machinery and transport equipment contributed $44.8 million, while mineral fuels and related products accounted for $17.6 million. Machinery and transport equipment were the largest import category at $272.5 million, or 53.9%, followed by services at $84.1 million and chemical products at $73.5 million.

As of September 1, 2026, 377 companies with American investment were operating in Uzbekistan. The American business presence and joint projects span manufacturing and mining, energy and petrochemicals, agriculture, construction, and services, including information technology.

Total foreign direct investment and loans attracted from the United States exceeded $2.9 billion over 2017–2025. The annual figure rose from $8.6 million in 2017 to $383.2 million in 2025.

Conclusion

Given the announced agenda and the mechanisms already established, the most likely focus of the talks is advancing investment projects, energy infrastructure, and regional connectivity.

The partnership’s further development depends primarily on implementing the agreements already reached. Investment and modern technology create opportunities to upgrade production, raise productivity, and expand exports. For Uzbekistan, the long-term value of this cooperation lies in strengthening its industrial capacity, creating skilled jobs, and reaching new markets.

Regional dialogue also complements bilateral engagement by enabling countries to address transportation, energy, and trade issues together. Coordinated work in these areas can improve business conditions and make economic ties more resilient. The upcoming talks offer an opportunity to identify the next priorities and translate the existing partnership into further practical cooperation.

Overall, C5+1 allows Uzbekistan to connect its bilateral relations with regional transport and energy priorities, broaden its investor base, and strengthen its participation in international production networks. The forthcoming meeting in Samarkand could consolidate this shift toward project implementation.

Khurshed Asadov
Deputy Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms

A Calligraphy School has been established at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

This significant scientific and educational project was announced during a seminar titled “The Calligraphy Heritage of the Timurid Era – Continuity of Traditions” dedicated to the 690th anniversary of the great commander Amir Temur's birth.

The seminar served as an important platform for a broad discussion on the spiritual and cultural significance of calligraphy, bringing together leading experts in the fields of Islamic art, history, and philology.

-  The initiative to establish the Calligraphy School at the Center of Islamic Civilization was proposed by our Honorable President on January 29, 2025. A year later, this initiative has been endorsed by all international organizations and the project was officially launched within the framework of the conference dedicated to the Timurid civilization. The establishment of the Calligraphy School is a logical continuation of the large-scale reforms aimed at preserving and promoting cultural heritage in our country, - said Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization, in his address to the event participants.

As noted, during the Timurid era, the art of calligraphy reached its zenith and became a symbol of cultural advancement. According to data presented by scholars, after establishing a centralized state, Amir Temur gathered the most skilled calligraphers from various regions to the capital. Styles such as Thuluth, Nasta‘liq and Kufic reached their peak, and famous manuscript copies, such as the renowned “Baysunghur Quran,” were inscribed.

International experts highly commended this initiative. In particular, Mahmud Erol Kılıç, Director General of IRCICA, shared his insights on the role of Islamic calligraphy in world culture and its high aesthetic and spiritual value. Coşkun Yılmaz, Chairman of the Turkish Institution of Manuscripts, provided information on the unique manuscripts preserved in the Süleymaniye Library, emphasizing that a significant portion of them is linked to the history of Central Asia. Sali Shahsivari, Director of the Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation in the UK, evaluated the Timurid period as an era of genuine educational and cultural awakening.

It was emphasized that the Calligraphy School will function not only as an educational institution but also as a scientific research and cultural center. Within its framework, plans include training specialists, preserving and restoring manuscripts, as well as developing international cooperation.