Uzbekistan-India relations are moving from historical affinity toward a practical partnership based on industrial cooperation, investment, technology and regional connectivity

The current stage of Uzbekistan-India relations can be described in one phrase: it is a time to turn historical affinity into practical partnership. The ties between the two peoples, linked for centuries through trade routes, science and culture, are now gaining new substance in investment, industry, technology, transport, pharmaceuticals, education and energy.

The upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Uzbekistan could give fresh momentum to this process. The significance lies not simply in another high-level meeting, but in the opportunity to translate political trust built over many years into tangible economic and technological outcomes. Uzbekistan and India established a strategic partnership in 2011. In the years since, regular dialogue between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought continuity and consistency to this partnership.

From political trust to economic outcomes

Economic interest is one of the main drivers of bilateral relations today. According to India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, bilateral trade has exceeded USD 1.5 billion. At the same time, both sides acknowledge that the existing potential is considerably greater and have set the goal of doubling trade over the next three years.

The new stage is not only about increasing trade volumes. What matters is raising the share of higher value-added products, expanding joint investment and production, and entering third-country markets together. The bilateral investment agreement signed in 2024 and brought into force in 2025 is also intended to strengthen legal guarantees for investors.

Mining, textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food processing, information technology and mechanical engineering are regarded as key growth areas for economic partnership. The interest of Indian businesses in hydropower, mining and infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan also shows that cooperation is taking on an increasingly practical character.

Industry and technology - new opportunities

Critical and rare-earth minerals have gained particular importance in recent discussions. Demand for these resources is rising as electronics, batteries, electric mobility and renewable energy develop. For Uzbekistan, the main interest is not to be limited to exporting raw materials, but to develop domestic value chains for deeper processing and the production of finished goods.

Pharmaceuticals and the digital economy are also natural areas of cooperation. India has extensive experience in medicines, medical technologies, information technology and digital services. For Uzbekistan, key priorities include establishing joint ventures, localising production, developing software products, supporting start-ups and training highly skilled professionals.

The two countries also share common interests in energy. Cooperation in solar and wind power, energy-efficient technologies, energy storage systems, water-saving solutions and cleaner production can link economic partnership more closely with sustainable development objectives.

Transport and human capital

The absence of a direct overland route between the two countries remains one of the main constraints on fully realizing their trade potential. For this reason, developing transport routes through Iran's Chabahar Port is of strategic importance. Yet an efficient corridor requires more than ports and railways: competitive tariffs, simplified customs procedures, mutual recognition of standards and digitalised logistics are also essential.

Human capital, meanwhile, forms the long-term foundation of the partnership. According to the Secretariat of the President of India, more than 3,000 civil servants, professionals and students from Uzbekistan have participated in India's technical and economic cooperation and scholarship programmes. At the same time, more than 16,000 Indian students are studying at higher education institutions in Uzbekistan. This potential can be further developed through joint research, engineering and IT programmes, and academic exchanges.

Security cooperation is another important pillar of the strategic partnership. In April 2026, the armed forces of Uzbekistan and India held the joint 'Dustlik' exercise in Namangan Region. Countering terrorism and extremism, supporting stability in Afghanistan and developing secure transport corridors are among the shared interests of Tashkent and Delhi.

The key measure of the new stage

Uzbekistan-India relations today rest on a solid political foundation. Trade is growing, the legal framework for investment has been strengthened, and new industrial and technological areas of cooperation are emerging. The central task now is to turn these opportunities into practical results.

In this context, the effectiveness of the upcoming high-level dialogue should not be measured solely by the number of documents signed. The key measure will be the extent to which agreements translate into new production capacities, investment projects, technologies, jobs, export markets and training programmes.

Uzbekistan lies at the heart of Central Asia, while India is one of South Asia's major economic and technological centres. A new stage in the Tashkent-Delhi strategic partnership therefore offers an opportunity to give historical friendship modern economic substance and to strengthen bridges of trade, technology and development between the two regions.

Jakhongir Isaev,
Head of Department, NGO Center for Sustainable Development

At present, geopolitical tensions, the fragmentation of trade and investment flows, disruptions to global supply chains and the high cost of financial resources are creating new challenges for countries across the global economy. Under these conditions, establishing sustainable financial mechanisms for regional cooperation is becoming an important factor not only in promoting economic growth, but also in ensuring long-term stability.

From this perspective, taking financial cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to a new level is of particular importance. The SCO region accounts for more than 40 per cent of the world’s population and over a quarter of global gross domestic product. Such vast economic potential provides a solid foundation for developing a modern financial architecture capable of supporting trade, investment and industrial cooperation within the Organization.

The expanding scope of economic cooperation has also increased the importance of its financial support. In this regard, developments observed within the SCO in recent years indicate that the Organization’s distinctive new financial infrastructure is gradually taking shape.

New Economic Realities — New Financial Needs

The expansion of the SCO’s financial infrastructure is primarily driven by the economic changes taking place within the Organization itself.

The first factor is the expanding scale of economic cooperation. Alongside trade and investment, the development of industrial cooperation, energy, digitalization and technological collaboration across the SCO region has increased demand for long-term financial resources.

The second factor is the growing number and scale of cross-border projects. The implementation of transport corridors, power grids, logistics centres and other infrastructure facilities spanning several countries generally requires large-scale, long-term investment.

The third factor is the expansion of the SCO’s membership and the diversity of its economies. The Organization includes both economies with large capital markets and landlocked countries with significant infrastructure investment needs. This has generated demand for multilateral financial mechanisms capable of accommodating the interests of diverse economies.

The fourth factor is the transformation of the global financial environment. Volatility in the cost of international capital, external shocks and currency risks have increased the importance of diversifying regional sources of financing. In this context, expanding settlements in national currencies has also become a distinct area of the SCO’s financial agenda. In 2022, the Samarkand Summit approved a roadmap for gradually increasing the share of national currencies in mutual settlements.

Thus, the need for new financial institutions has emerged not as a stand-alone initiative, but as an objective process resulting from the growing scale of trade, investment and cross-border economic relations within the SCO region.

A New Stage — New Financial Mechanisms

At the SCO Summit held in Astana in 2024, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of promoting mutual investment, primarily in infrastructure, high technologies and services, introducing mechanisms for the financial support of such projects, and revisiting the issue of establishing the SCO Development Fund and Development Bank.

One year later, on 1 September 2025, at the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Tianjin, the interested Member States reached a political consensus on establishing the SCO Development Bank.

The establishment of the Development Bank is expected to provide impetus for the SCO’s financial infrastructure to enter a new stage of development.

At the same time, the expansion of settlements in national currencies and the development of interbank cooperation, co-financing instruments and collaboration in the digitalization of public finance demonstrate that the SCO’s financial infrastructure is not limited to a single institution.

The SCO’s new financial architecture should not be confined solely to establishing one bank. Rather, it should integrate mutually complementary financial institutions and instruments into a unified system.

In this regard, it is important to establish effective cooperation mechanisms among the SCO Development Bank, the SCO Interbank Consortium, the national development institutions of Member States, commercial banks and investment funds. Opportunities for co-financing may also be pursued in cooperation with existing multilateral institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the New Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the Eurasian Development Bank.

New Opportunities for Uzbekistan

The development of the SCO’s financial infrastructure offers a number of objective economic benefits for Uzbekistan.

First and foremost, Uzbekistan’s geographical location gives this process particular significance. Situated at the heart of Central Asia, the country serves as an important link in transport routes connecting the SCO region’s major economies with the markets of South and Central Asia. The construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is one of the most prominent examples.

Therefore, expanding opportunities to finance cross-border projects within the SCO would also enable Uzbekistan to attract additional long-term resources for its transport, energy and logistics infrastructure.

Second, the new financial mechanisms would broaden the financial base for industrial cooperation. Uzbekistan’s efforts to modernize industry, manufacture high-value-added products and develop joint production chains are becoming increasingly connected with the SCO’s major markets. From this perspective, expanding the range of instruments available for financing regional projects would help diversify the sources of finance for joint investment projects.

Third, the development of the SCO’s financial infrastructure would provide greater opportunities to diversify sources of financing. For Uzbekistan, this means complementing its existing cooperation with international financial institutions and bilateral creditors with new regional financial mechanisms.

A New Stage of Financial Cooperation

The SCO is entering a new stage of its development. While security and political dialogue occupied a central place during the Organization’s initial period, today there is a growing need to support economic cooperation through concrete projects and effective financial instruments.

Therefore, the principal criterion for developing a new financial architecture within the SCO should not be the number of new institutions, but their practical effectiveness. Every new mechanism should contribute to increasing trade and investment, strengthening infrastructure connectivity, promoting industrial cooperation and mobilizing private capital.

Most importantly, effective financial mechanisms must be created that are capable of transforming the SCO’s vast economic potential into tangible investment projects. This would elevate cooperation within the Organization from coordination and dialogue to a level of practical partnership that delivers real investment, new production capacities, modern infrastructure and shared economic development.

On 17–19 February, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a visit to the United States and take part in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council, a new international body established as a multilateral platform to promote dialogue and the peaceful resolution of pressing global and regional conflicts.

The Peace Council was founded in January 2026 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where the founding charter was formally signed in a ceremony attended by heads of state and government, as well as representatives of several founding countries.

Launched earlier this year, the initiative has garnered the support of a number of states, including Uzbekistan, which joined as a founding member, thereby reaffirming its commitment to the principles of peaceful diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and shared responsibility for maintaining international stability.

The establishment of the Peace Council represents a logical continuation of the international community’s efforts to develop effective mechanisms for conflict prevention and to seek political and diplomatic solutions to the most acute crises of our time, particularly in the Middle East.

Uzbekistan’s participation in the creation of this structure reflects Tashkent’s consistent foreign policy course aimed at promoting dialogue, respect for international law, and the rejection of force-based scenarios. The country’s position on the Palestinian issue—grounded in support for a just and sustainable peace settlement in accordance with United Nations resolutions—has gained additional international resonance within the framework of this initiative.

The upcoming participation of the Uzbek head of state in the first meeting of the Peace Council also aligns with the recent intensification of Uzbek–American political dialogue. Over the past six months, high-level contacts between Tashkent and Washington have significantly increased, signaling a qualitatively new stage in bilateral relations.

In September of last year, the President of Uzbekistan visited New York to attend a regular session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he held meetings with world leaders and heads of international organizations and discussed key issues on the global and regional agenda.

Further momentum was generated in early November 2025 during the Uzbek President’s working visit to the United States, which included talks with the U.S. President, as well as meetings with representatives of the American establishment, Congress, and business circles. Particular attention during the visit was devoted to strategic partnership, economic cooperation, investment engagement, and regional security, including the “C5+1” format, viewed by both sides as an effective mechanism for coordinating efforts in Central Asia.

Contacts between Tashkent and Washington have been maintained across various channels, including telephone conversations and interagency cooperation. An additional indication of growing mutual trust has been the expansion of economic dialogue and the establishment of new business cooperation platforms, reflecting a shared interest in deepening practical engagement. In the United States, Uzbekistan is increasingly perceived as a reliable, predictable, and responsible partner pursuing a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy.

Uzbekistan’s participation in the Peace Council is thus seen as further evidence of the country’s growing international standing and recognition of its constructive role in global affairs. For Washington, it also confirms that Tashkent is an important partner in advancing initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security, and sustainable development across Eurasia and beyond.

Amid the intensification of political dialogue, Uzbek–American cooperation continues to expand across key areas. These include collaboration in regional security, support for economic reforms in Uzbekistan, the development of trade and investment, and the deepening of humanitarian and educational ties. Joint projects in energy, digitalization, infrastructure, and human capital development are laying a solid foundation for a long-term partnership.

In sum, the forthcoming participation of the President of Uzbekistan in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council not only underscores the country’s active role in shaping a new architecture of international dialogue, but also complements the positive trajectory of Uzbek–American relations. The visit to the United States will undoubtedly contribute to elevating interaction between Tashkent and Washington to a stable strategic level, serving the interests of both sides and the broader goal of strengthening peace and stability in the region and worldwide.

«Dunyo» IA

On 24 October 2025, Uzbekistan and the European Union signed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) — a comprehensive framework that culminates negotiations launched in February 2019 and initialled in July 2022. More than a ceremonial milestone, the EPCA codifies a strategic upgrade in our relationship with the EU. It is broad in scope — nine titles, 356 articles, and 14 annexes — and practical in ambition: to align our cooperation with the realities of a rapidly changing world economy while reinforcing the rule-of-law foundations of sustainable development at home.

The agreement’s timing is revealing. Uzbekistan’s recent balanced, multi-vector foreign policy and people-centred reforms — strengthening the rule of law, expanding public administration openness, and advancing market reforms — have laid the necessary groundwork. These steps in human rights and governance have increased international confidence, enabling a rules-based partnership with Europe. The EPCA is both a vote of confidence in Uzbekistan’s reform trajectory and a tangible roadmap to deliver measurable outcomes.

Economically, the EPCA offers a clear pathway for integration and growth. It promotes approximation to EU norms on technical regulations, product safety, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The agreement is designed to reduce non-tariff barriers, simplify border procedures, and make our exporters more competitive in the EU market. It encourages joint ventures and industrial clustering, extends agro-processing and manufacturing value chains, and supports energy efficiency and industrial modernisation. In short: more trade, more investment, and more quality jobs at home.

Human capital is an equally central pillar. The EPCA expands cooperation across education, science, skills development, and public health. It encourages joint university programmes, faculty and student exchanges, and research grants — mechanisms that accelerate knowledge transfer and help align our skills base with the demands of a digital and green economy. The spillovers are immediate and tangible: better public services, higher productivity, and new career pathways for our young people.

The rule-of-law dimension is another strategic gain. Deeper cooperation on judicial reform, anti-corruption, data protection, and cybersecurity increases predictability for investors and protections for citizens. The agreement’s chapter on foreign and security policy expands dialogue on conflict prevention, crisis management, non-proliferation, and export controls. This cooperation supports regional stability, which is essential for long-term growth.

Connectivity is the backbone that makes these ambitions feasible. Through synergies with the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the EPCA supports logistics hubs, border modernisation, and greener infrastructure. Better connectivity means lower trade costs, faster delivery times, and diversified export routes — practical levers for competitiveness. It also enables cooperation on water management, climate adaptation, and resilient energy systems — strategic priorities for a land-linked Central Asian economy.

Critically, the EPCA opens structured avenues for collaboration on critical raw materials needed for the green and digital transitions. This builds on the EU-Uzbekistan memorandum of understanding signed in 2024. It creates opportunities to upgrade domestic standards, attract responsible investment, and join higher segments of global value chains, while maintaining environmental and social safeguards.

Beyond the text, the joint statement issued at the signing underscores a shared commitment to the UN Charter and to the principles of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity — principles that guide our positions in international fora. It also welcomes the outcomes of the EU–Central Asia Summit, including plans for a Central Asia–EU Economic Forum and a Trans-Caspian Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent in 2025. In short, the EPCA is embedded in a wider, forward-looking regional agenda.

In practical terms, success requires implementation of three clear priorities: coordinated institution building, enhanced business support, and transparent, data-driven tracking. These will ensure commitments translate to outcomes.

First, institutional coordination. Translating commitments into outcomes requires a whole-of-government mechanism with clear mandates, timelines, and dashboards. A national EPCA coordination council, supported by technical working groups, should steer approximation to EU standards, monitor progress, and troubleshoot bottlenecks.

Second, business enablement. Firms need guidance to navigate new standards and opportunities. An 'EU Helpdesk' for exporters and investors would offer practical advice on certification, rules of origin, and compliance. This would turn legal text into business practice. Expanding the capacity of testing, inspection, and certification bodies will further reduce transaction costs and speed market entry.

Third, open, data-driven delivery. Customs and trade facilitation should be fully digitised through single-window systems and interoperable data exchange. Regular public reporting on milestones — such as education partnerships, financed projects, and adopted standards — will sustain credibility and invite feedback from business and civil society.

The EPCA also aligns with Uzbekistan’s WTO accession path by encouraging market-based reforms and transparent, rules-based trade. As reforms deepen, our economy will see more diversified exports, stronger investor protections, and a more competitive domestic market. These outcomes raise household incomes and expand opportunity.

This agreement is ambitious by design. Ambition alone is empty; execution alone is stagnant. The EPCA combines both — setting a high bar and supplying the means to reach it. By acting decisively, we turn this framework into a catalyst for inclusive growth, institutional maturity, and global credibility.

Ultimately, the EPCA is more than a diplomatic success; it is the engine for Uzbekistan’s reform agenda. By linking citizen welfare, business competitiveness, and international engagement, the EPCA puts us on a path to fundamental transformation. The critical task ahead is to deliver on this promise and make the Uzbekistan-EU partnership impactful and enduring.

By Eldor Tulyakov,

Executive Director, Development Strategy Centre, Uzbekistan

In October, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a 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.

Оbid Khakimov,  

Director of the Center for
Economic Research and Reforms

A total of 537 companies and brands, 125 speakers, and more than 1,000 delegates from 31 countries have confirmed their participation in the forum

One of the most significant exhibition and conference events in the country’s fuel and energy sector - Uzbekistan Energy Week (UEW 2026) - will be held at the CAEx Uzbekistan International Exhibition Center.

Uzbekistan Energy Week is a major annual international event, traditionally supported by the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan and Uzbekneftegaz JSC. It brings together industry leaders, innovators and experts, along with government representatives and international businesses to shape the strategic agenda, define long-term priorities and accelerate adoption of advanced energy solutions.

The broad UEW 2026 Programme is built around the theme “New Energy: Innovation, Sustainability and Regional Cooperation” and includes a series of specialised exhibitions and conferences covering two core areas of the energy sector – hydrocarbon production and electric power. These events play a strategic role in shaping industry agenda and setting priorities for both development and regional dialogue.

The UEW 2026 Programme includes the following key industry events:

Uzbekistan International Energy Forum, comprising:

– the 28th International Conference Oil and Gas of Uzbekistan

– the 6th International Energy Conference

OGU 2026: the 28th International Oil and Gas Uzbekistan Exhibition

Power Uzbekistan 2026: the 19th International Exhibition on Energy, Energy Saving, Nuclear Energy, Alternative Energy Sources

GETCA 2026: Specialised Section on Green Energy Technologies Central Asia

Over three days, the leading companies from across the fuel and energy sector will present their advanced technologies and showcase the latest industry developments. A total of 537 companies and brands, 125 speakers, and over 1,000 delegates from 31 countries have confirmed their participation in Uzbekistan Energy Week, including Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, Georgia, Denmark, Egypt, Jordan, Italy, Kazakhstan, Qatar, China, South Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United States, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, France, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Japan.

National pavilions will bring together companies from the Republic of Belarus, Germany, China and Türkiye, while Italy, Republic of Korea and Russia will be represented with their collective stands.

Uzbekistan Energy Week highlights the sustained interest of international investors and technology companies in the country’s energy sector. With a strong focus on sustainable development and advanced technologies, the event continues to strengthen its role as a leading energy platform in Central Asia.

Dunyo IA

The first session of the Fergana Peace Forum, titled “Fergana Valley: Uniting Efforts for Peace and Progress” is scheduled for October 15–16, 2025, in the city of Fergana.

Next week, the city of Fergana will transform into a focal point for international dialogue and cooperation, hosting key stakeholders from across the region and beyond. This gathering underscores the city’s growing importance as a center for promoting peace, mutual understanding, and collaborative development in Central Asia.

The Forum will be organized by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRI), jointly with the Center for Progressive Reforms, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and the Peacebuilding Hub — a platform that brings together reputable international organizations specializing in peacebuilding and social cohesion.

Entitled “Fergana Valley: Uniting Efforts for Peace and Progress” the Forum is organized in partnership with the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Institute of studying of the problems of Asian and European countries of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

The two-day forum will bring together over 300 participants from Central Asian countries, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Among the high-level guests are Head of the UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze, European Union Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre Kate Fearon, Secretary-General of CICA Kairat Sarybay and Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO Sohail Khan.

A key feature of the upcoming session will be its inclusive nature, with participation from representatives of civil society, youth organizations, women’s associations, as well as expert and academic communities.

Leading international peacebuilding institutions such as Berghof Foundation (Germany), the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation (Finland), the PeaceNexus Foundation (Switzerland), and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) will also be at the Forum. Reflecting a commitment to be inclusive, the Forum will also draw participation from youth, women groups and the academia circle. 

The Forum aims to create a standing platform for promoting dialogue, mutual trust, good-neighborly relations, and for developing a shared strategy for the development of the Fergana Valley.

The forum’s agenda includes discussions on ensuring stability and sustainable development in the Fergana Valley, unlocking its economic potential, strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, and expanding the roles of the private sector, youth, and civil society.

The Forum will see the first observation of the “Yntymak Day” (“Day of Unity”) which celebrates the unity in diversity spirit of communities in Fergana Valley. 

Among the anticipated outcomes of the forum is the adoption of a Communiqué calling for the establishment of a unified space of friendship, good-neighborliness, and sustainable development in the Fergana Valley.

At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, underlined that “the era of closed borders, unresolved disputes and conflicts in Central Asia has receded into the past. In recent years, the volume of mutual trade, investment and transport flows in our region has increased fivefold. Joint investment funds, cross-border trade and industrial cooperation zones are being established, while major infrastructure projects are under implementation”.

The President of Uzbekistan emphasized that “today marks the beginning of the formation of a New Central Asia. Thanks to its unity, stability, and growing regional identity, it is securing an increasingly strong position as an independent actor in the system of international relations”.

“Peace in Fergana Valley has been made possible by strong commitments in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and by the diverse communities who have transformed differences into strength. The First Peace Forum on Fergana Valley will showcase how this political resolve and communities’ bond could usher peace,” said Eldor Aripov, Director of ISRS.   

According to him, “The Ferghana Forum is intended to create a new image of the Ferghana Valley as a space of peace, harmony, and opportunity,” demonstrating that the political will of the countries’ leaders and the unity of their peoples can ensure stability and prosperity in the region”.

Dunyo IA

Comment from the First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISRS) under the President of Uzbekistan to Dunyo Information Agency

The focal points of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan as well as the signals conveyed to both domestic and international audiences, were highlighted in a commentary by Akramjon Ne’matov, the First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISRS) under the President of Uzbekistan, in an interview with Dunyo IA correspondent.

The expert highlighted that the primary focus of the Address was on the country’s socio-economic development, the improvement of citizens’ well-being and the enhancement of the national economy’s competitiveness. According to him, the President of Uzbekistan clearly emphasized that it is the economy, the sustainability of development, and the quality of growth that today define Uzbekistan’s opportunities both domestically and in its external engagements.

Akramjon Ne’matov emphasized that despite a challenging and fragmented global environment, Uzbekistan’s economy continues to demonstrate steady growth. For the first time in the country’s history, its GDP surpassed $145 billion this year, whereas just nine years ago, reaching the $100 billion mark was considered an ambitious milestone. Even amid disruptions in global supply chains, exports grew by 23% to $33.4 billion, electricity production in 2025 reached 85 billion kilowatt-hours, and foreign exchange reserves exceeded $60 billion. Over $43.1 billion in investments were attracted to the national economy this year, raising the investment-to-GDP ratio to 31.9%, a clear indicator of the country’s rising investment appeal.

In this context, the expert noted, maintaining high economic growth rates remains an absolute priority. However, what is particularly significant is the shift in focus from quantitative expansion toward a technological and innovative development model. This entails building a knowledge- and technology-based economy, modernizing industry, advancing the digital economy, promoting scientific research and fostering technology transfer. As Akramjon Ne’matov stressed, “An innovative economy ensures long-term competitiveness and reduces dependency on raw materials, which is critically important amid global instability”.

Another strategic priority highlighted by the President of Uzbekistan is the stimulation of domestic demand. According to the expert, the development of the domestic market is seen as a key driver of sustainable growth, encompassing higher household incomes, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and broader access to financial instruments. Domestic demand, he emphasized, provides stable sources of development and helps shield the economy from external shocks.

Special attention, Akramjon Ne’matov noted, was also given to workforce development and the creation of a new labor market architecture. The President outlined objectives for modernizing vocational education, fostering new competencies, and shaping a flexible and adaptive labor market capable of meeting the needs of a modern economy. He stressed that the labor market and professional development determine the quality of human capital – the key resource of the 21st century.

At the same time, an important focus is placed on ensuring ecological balance, developing “green energy” and the rational use of water resources. The transition to sustainable development, the adoption of renewable energy sources, improving energy and water efficiency, and adapting to climate change are regarded as strategic objectives. Ecology and “green” energy are now considered key factors for national security and sustainable development, Akramjon Ne’matov emphasized.

Among the President of Uzbekistan’s key priorities is also the formation of modern state governance and a fair judicial system. Central to this agenda are enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of public administration, strengthening the rule of law, digitizing public services and reforming the judiciary. The expert stressed that effective governance and a fair judicial system build trust, enhance investment appeal, and ensure long-term stability.

Overall, he noted, these priorities reflect Uzbekistan’s shift from quantitative growth toward a qualitative model of modernization focused on long-term outcomes.

Based on these strategic directions, Uzbekistan is shaping a framework of key cooperation priorities with international partners, aimed at deepening engagement through high-quality collaboration.

The first priority is technological and industrial partnership. This includes establishing joint high value-added production, localizing advanced technologies, and implementing collaborative research and development projects. The strategic goal is to move beyond simple technology adoption toward co-creation and practical implementation of innovations.

The second priority is the development of human capital. This encompasses joint programs for training and retraining personnel, sustained collaboration between universities, research centers, and industry, and the cultivation of new competencies demanded by the modern economy. The objective is to ensure the sustainability of reforms and enhance the quality of the workforce.

The third priority is “green” energy and resource efficiency. The focus is on joint initiatives in renewable energy, water-saving technologies, and environmentally sustainable solutions. These efforts are viewed as key instruments for reducing ecological risks and enhancing the long-term resilience of the economy.

The fourth priority is infrastructure and multi-level connectivity. The development of transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure aims not only to deepen Uzbekistan’s integration into regional and global supply chains but also to strengthen internal connectivity across the country’s regions, reduce territorial disparities, and improve access to markets, services, and economic opportunities. Taken together, these initiatives reinforce Uzbekistan’s role as a stable regional hub for cooperation and transit.

The fifth priority is institutional development and the quality of public governance. This includes promoting principles of transparent and efficient governance, establishing a fair and independent judicial system, enhancing the effectiveness and professionalism of the civil service, and fostering experience-sharing in the digitalization of public services. These measures create a predictable institutional environment, strengthen trust among investors and partners, and serve as a solid foundation for sustainable, long-term international cooperation.

In conclusion, Akramjon Ne’matov emphasized that Uzbekistan views collaboration with foreign partners as a strategic priority. The country aims to transition from broad but largely quantitative engagement toward high-quality partnerships, centered on technology, human capital, and sustainable growth that align with the long-term interests of all parties.

Dunyo IA

The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has been recognized as the “Best Museum of the Turkic World” by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Sultan Raev, Secretary General of the organization, announced this during an international scientific conference dedicated to the 690th anniversary of Amir Temur's birth.

Constructed in a short period at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Center is highly regarded today not only as a unique architectural masterpiece but also as a symbolic bridge connecting Eastern and Western civilizations. Through its concept, content, and scientific-educational focus, it vividly demonstrates the creative and enlightening potential of Islamic civilization.

While ceremoniously presenting the “Best Museum” certificate to the leadership of the Center, Secretary General Sultan Raev specifically highlighted President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's policy aimed at the profound study and global promotion of the Islamic civilization's heritage:

-  Thanks to the special attention of Honorable President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the legacy of Amir Temur and Islamic culture are being deeply explored today. New scientific and artistic works are being created and modern scientific-educational centers are being established. I can say with confidence that there is no comparable center in the world. This is, undoubtedly, a vivid manifestation of the ideas of the Third Renaissance. At times, the world limits itself to mere statements. However, Uzbekistan is setting an example through its practical actions and tangible results.

In turn, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, shared his insights regarding this prestigious recognition:

-  Established under the direct initiative and visionary authorship of our Honorable President, the Center has emerged as one of the most significant mega-projects in the Turkic world. The Head of State personally participated in and oversaw every stage of its creation. Today, every visitor leaves the Center with a world of impressions. As is well known, TURKSOY is a prestigious international organization uniting states such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Türkiye and is often referred to as the “UNESCO of the Turkic World”. Currently, the museum heritage of these nations encompasses nearly 1,300 museums. The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, with its creative vision, profound conceptual depth and innovative solutions, holds a special place among these institutions, manifesting itself as a unique cultural and scientific phenomenon.

Furthermore, F. Abdukhalikov specifically highlighted the growing international interest in the Center's activities. In particular, the Hungarian government has expressed interest in studying the Center's experience and collaborating on the implementation of a similar project. Additionally, the leadership of the German state of Bavaria has stated its readiness to support initiatives aimed at promoting Islam through enlightenment.

At the conclusion of the event, it was emphasized that this award serves as a vivid testament to the Center's high international prestige, its scientific and cultural significance, and its profound recognition across the Turkic world.

Today, during a meeting with journalists, Azizbek Urunov, Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan on WTO issues, answered questions from a correspondent of Dunyo Information Agency:

-How does WTO membership align with the “Uzbekistan - 2030” strategy?

-It fully aligns with it. Uzbekistan’s accession process to the World Trade Organization effectively began in the early days of the large-scale reforms launched under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017. In the initial years, the primary focus was placed on urgent and systemic economic reforms.

These included the liberalization of currency policy, a comprehensive revision of foreign trade policy and a significant reduction and simplification of import tariffs, which helped strengthen competition in the economy and the domestic market.

The active phase of WTO accession negotiations began in 2020. Prior to that, over a period of three to four years, the country deliberately prepared its economy and regulatory framework to meet WTO requirements. A frequently asked question is why the accession process has taken so long, given that Uzbekistan submitted its application back in 1994. Meaningful progress only began after 2020, as before that time the economy and its regulatory mechanisms objectively did not meet WTO standards.

Before 2016, foreign trade was subject to strict regulation. For example, there was a practice of approving a limited list of enterprises authorized to export, particularly in the agricultural sector. The main participants in foreign economic activity were state structures and foreign trade companies affiliated with sectoral ministries.

However, WTO principles are based on equal conditions for all market participants and non-discriminatory access to foreign trade activities. That is why, as part of the reforms, foreign trade policy was comprehensively revised and liberalized. Today, any enterprise has the right to engage in foreign economic activity.

This was not merely an issue of currency convertibility, but rather a set of comprehensive reforms of the entire foreign trade regulatory system, including the elimination of exclusive rights held by state enterprises and the creation of a competitive environment.

I believe it is no secret that the WTO accession process is under the personal oversight of the President of the country. Over the past two to three years, a qualitative breakthrough has been achieved and today Uzbekistan is at the final stage of the negotiation process.

– What long-term national interests does Uzbekistan aim to protect through its accession to the WTO?

As a developing country, Uzbekistan, in accordance with WTO agreements, retains the right to protect certain sectors of the economy in the event of specific difficulties. At the same time, it is important to remember that the fundamental goals of the WTO are to improve the welfare of the population, create jobs and ensure sustainable economic development for member countries.

From a strategic perspective, WTO membership serves two key objectives for Uzbekistan.

The first is exports. Without an active export policy and integration into global value chains, achieving long-term and sustainable economic growth is virtually impossible. Relying solely on the domestic market has inherent limitations. As the domestic market becomes saturated, growth potential diminishes and further development is only possible through expanding presence in foreign markets.

The second objective is investment, primarily quality investment. It is important not only to attract capital but also to ensure its technological, institutional and managerial value. WTO membership sends an international signal that the country’s economy operates under transparent, predictable and investor-friendly rules.

This creates additional conditions for the development of industry and the service sector. Today, about half of Uzbekistan’s GDP is generated by the services sector, indicating its enormous potential for further growth.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan’s geographic location offers significant opportunities. The country is surrounded by dynamically developing markets such as China, the European Union, the Middle East, and India. The active economic development of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and other countries generates steady demand for agricultural and industrial products as well as services. This creates favorable conditions for integrating Uzbekistan into global value chains.

– Is it already possible today - at least approximately, in monetary terms - to estimate the total benefit to Uzbek businesses from the removal of tariff regulations within the framework of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization?

– Ten years ago, Uzbekistan’s GDP was around USD 50 billion. By the end of 2025, it had reached approximately USD 147 billion.

Whereas an increase of, say, 5 billion dollars used to represent about 10 percent of GDP, today it accounts for only around 3 percent. Therefore, it is more important to talk not about absolute figures, but about the additional momentum for economic growth.

According to World Bank estimates, WTO membership could provide an additional GDP growth of roughly 17 percent over the next 5–7 years. In the longer term, international studies indicate that developing countries that are WTO members typically achieve an extra 1–1.5 percent GDP growth per year compared with non-member states.

Even a 1 percent additional growth per year, accumulated over 5, 10, or 15 years, can significantly transform a country’s economy.

– What specific instruments and legal mechanisms of WTO rules will work to protect the interests of Uzbekistan and its businesses?

– First and foremost, this concerns the protection of export interests. Today, there are often situations where partners are willing to purchase our raw materials but react negatively to shipments of processed products with high added value. In such cases, discriminatory measures aimed at limiting our exports may be applied.

WTO membership will allow Uzbekistan to challenge such actions in Geneva through the dispute settlement mechanisms and on a bilateral basis, relying on the universal principles of the WTO. This provides protection against unilateral and unjustified trade restrictions.

On the domestic market, the key instruments will be so-called trade remedies - anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures. Currently, draft laws regulating these mechanisms are being developed in Uzbekistan.

The WTO provides developing countries with a longer time frame for applying protective measures: up to eight years and under special conditions - up to ten years. These instruments allow temporary protection for industries under pressure from imports, provided there is evidence of serious economic harm.

Anti-dumping measures are particularly important. Dumping is usually used to push competitors out of the market, followed by the establishment of monopoly prices. WTO legislation allows countries to effectively counteract such practices.

Alongside legislative development, Uzbekistan is preparing national specialists with the support of international experts. Their task is to ensure the competent and professional application of these mechanisms in practice, in the interests of fair competition and the protection of national businesses.

Dunyo IA

Tashkent

Exactly one year ago, on January 29, 2025, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. During his visit, he provided a series of recommendations and directives regarding the incorporation of scientific and innovative projects developed by more than two thousand domestic and international researchers into the exhibitions of the Center.

It was truly a historic visit. Over the past year, the construction of the Center has been fully completed. Specialists and designers from more than 40 countries were involved in enhancing the Center’s activities and enriching its exhibitions. All of them were united around a megaproject initiated and guided by the vision of the President.

In September 2025, the Head of our State, from the high podium of the United Nations, announced the completion of the construction of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and its imminent opening. Since then, the internal content of the exhibitions has become even more comprehensive. The Center has evolved into a unique space that captures the attention of the global community. Today, visitors from around the world, as well as leaders of states and international organizations, engage with the Center’s work, its scientific projects dedicated to civilizations, prominent figures and discoveries, openly acknowledging its significance.

The world is experiencing a period of profound civilizational transformation. Technological advancement often outpaces moral reflection, while global crises – ranging from geopolitical conflicts to the erosion of cultural identity – increasingly raise questions about humanity’s capacity for dialogue. In circumstances where religion is sometimes used as a tool for conflict, and culture becomes a dividing line, the need for new platforms that can restore the constructive essence of inter-civilizational dialogue is especially urgent.

It is in precisely this historical moment, in the heart of Eurasia – on land where great civilizations and empires arose, where trade routes, religions, scientific schools, and cultures have intersected for millennia – that the unique Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has been established. Its creation is no coincidence and is not motivated by transient considerations; it is a direct reflection of the strategic vision of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

As early as 2017, speaking from the podium of the United Nations, the President addressed the global community with a call to restore the true place of Islamic civilization in world history, emphasizing that the foundations of sacred Islam lie in enlightenment, science, and humanistic values and that extremism and ignorance can be countered through knowledge and culture.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, during his visit to the under-construction Center of Islamic Civilization, expressed high international appreciation for this initiative, noting:

“Your President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is a great and respected leader who consistently promotes the ideas of dialogue, enlightenment and mutual respect from the high podium of the United Nations”.

These words reflect the understanding that has already taken hold within the international community: under the leadership of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has become an active participant in shaping contemporary history.

The address of the President of Uzbekistan from the United Nations podium laid the intellectual and scholarly foundation for the Center, both as a monumental architectural complex and as a fundamentally new humanitarian model of global significance. Within this model, Islam is presented through the history of great civilizations where scientific revolutions occurred, universities and academies were established, libraries and laboratories were created and the foundations of medicine, philosophy, art and scientific thought were formed.

Thanks to the President’s personal political will, strategic vision and consistent leadership, the idea of creating the Center of Islamic Civilization has been realized on an unprecedented scale, in terms of scope, content and international significance. A unique civilizational complex has been established, uniting a next-generation museum, advanced research infrastructure, a modern library, national and international archives on the history of Central Asian civilizations, digital humanities technologies and a broad network of global scientific and cultural cooperation.

The project also received high praise from the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev:

“This is a large-scale and unique facility. It is a scientific, tourist and ethnocultural project. I agree with the President of Uzbekistan: Center of Islamic Civilization can become a shared platform for research in this important field”.

According to global experts, Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is not merely an infrastructure project or a symbol of cultural policy. It represents a deliberate civilizational response by the leader of Uzbekistan to contemporary global challenges. For the first time in the history of the Islamic world, such a large-scale permanent platform for genuine inter-civilizational dialogue has been created.

Uzbekistan has assumed a historic and spiritual mission - not by issuing declarations, but by establishing a real, world-class intellectual space to counter distorted interpretations of Islam and Islamic civilization.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, emphasized:

“Visiting the Center of Islamic Civilization, established at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, we were once again convinced of the country’s leadership’s deep commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural and spiritual values of the Uzbek people. In the context of rising Islamophobia, the opening of the Center carries special significance. It vividly demonstrates that Islam is a religion of creation, humanism, tolerance, friendship and brotherhood”.

Experts and policymakers unanimously note that this project has become a humanitarian shield against radicalism and distorted perceptions of Islam - a shield built on knowledge.

A particularly important aspect of the Center’s activities is the repatriation of cultural heritage. By the directive of the President, special state and diplomatic mechanisms were established to ensure systematic cooperation with the world’s leading auction houses - Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Bonhams - as well as with major museums and private collectors. As a result, around two thousand rare artifacts have been returned to the country, including manuscripts of Ibn Sina, works of Al-Biruni, Timurid-era miniatures and masterpieces of Islamic art.

This achievement represents a tangible restoration of Central Asia’s civilizational memory and the historical justice of the region.

President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, upon visiting the exhibitions, noted:

“Visiting the Center of Islamic Civilization left a profound impression on me. Many of humanity’s scientific and cultural achievements originated here. Unfortunately, the world does not always recognize that fundamental works in algebra and medicine emerged on this land. This visit inspired me and strengthened my confidence in Uzbekistan’s tremendous potential”.

Experts emphasize that the President of Uzbekistan shapes the future with the same consistency with which he restores the past. For this reason, the Center was conceived from the outset as a dynamically evolving system - an international scientific platform, a media space and a publishing and educational hub.

President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, after his visit, stated:

“I was struck by an impression I have never experienced anywhere else. Three thousand years of history are presented in a modern and compelling way. Here, one truly feels history - it is impossible to remain indifferent”.

Today, Center of Islamic Civilization is becoming an intellectual hub of the modern world, much like Bayt al-Hikma in Baghdad, Academy of Al-Ma’mun in Khwarazm and Ulugh Bek madrasa in Samarkand once shaped the development of science.

Center represents a new type of civilizational institution for the 21st century. Historical knowledge is combined with digital technologies, manuscripts become global digital resources, the museum acquires the characteristics of a scientific laboratory and national heritage becomes a foundation for international dialogue and mutual understanding.

In conclusion, it is appropriate to cite the words of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić:

“I have never seen a center like this anywhere. It is built in a modern and very expressive architectural style. I have learned a great deal here and will certainly return. I would tell my fellow citizens: dear friends, I made a big mistake by not coming here earlier. Please visit Uzbekistan as soon as possible”.

Firdavs Abdukhalikov

Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan

Digital cooperation between Uzbekistan and South Korea already runs through telecommunications manufacturing, e-government data centers, healthcare digitization, artificial intelligence, and education — infrastructure the Central Asia–Korea Summit puts a spotlight on, not one it creates

For Uzbekistan, digital transformation is not a single initiative but a declared national priority, and South Korea has become one of its most consistent partners in pursuing it. As Uzbekistan diversifies its economy and builds out its technology sector, cooperation with Korea reaches into nearly every layer of that effort — telecommunications infrastructure, government data systems, hospital diagnostics, and university classrooms among them.

That relationship is especially dense in information technology, a sector both governments have identified as central to the partnership. Korean companies build infrastructure and open offices inside Uzbekistan; Korean universities train Uzbek engineers; Uzbek IT firms increasingly sell services into the Korean market. High-level meetings between the two countries, including the Central Asia–Korea Summit, mark and reinforce this cooperation rather than create it the projects behind it were already underway.

Korean partners have already manufactured the fiber-optic cable running through part of Uzbekistan's telecommunications backbone, supplied the servers and storage behind its national e-government data center, and begun designing a joint digital government cooperation center for Tashkent. IT Park Uzbekistan opened a representative office in Seoul on October 30, 2024, under a newly formed Uzbek-Korean IT Business Alliance developed with the Korea Institute for International Industrial Cooperation — one visible marker of a relationship that is already several projects deep.

Institutional foundations

Uzbekistan's digital transformation has been driven by a series of structural reforms over the past several years: a dedicated ministry overseeing digital technologies, IT Park Uzbekistan as the country's flagship technology hub with resident-company incentives, and a national strategy for artificial intelligence from 14.10.2024 № RP-358. A national "Digital Government" program, adopted under Presidential Resolution PR-257 from 08.07.2026, set the framework for much of the e-government modernization described below. Two annual state awards — the President Tech Award and the President AI Award — recognize achievement in the sector.

Digital infrastructure and e-government

Uzbekistan's Unified Interactive State Services portal is the backbone of its e-government system and is currently being modernized with artificial intelligence tools, natural-language-processing chatbots, geospatial data integration, and proactive services that deliver documents and notifications to citizens automatically. The infrastructure behind this system was built with direct Korean participation: a project to expand the storage and processing infrastructure for the e-government system was financed with support from Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), combining concessional financing with tax and customs incentives from the Uzbek side. Following a tender, a major Korean IT company was selected as general contractor and delivered the data-center network infrastructure, servers, and storage systems, along with software for virtualization, cloud services, monitoring, and information-security incident management. A separate data-center project is planned for the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

IT industry and services export

IT Park Uzbekistan is the country's central vehicle for attracting foreign technology companies, offering resident status with tax and customs benefits. By the first half of 2026, 23 companies with Korean capital were registered as residents — up 53 percent from 15 in the first half of 2024, employing 126 specialists in software engineering, technical support, IT consulting, data processing, and business process outsourcing. Among them are LG CNS Uzbekistan, the ITOMAX Central Asia Development Center, and NOMADIAN. Over the same two-year period, the number of resident companies exporting IT services to South Korea doubled, from 12 to 25, and employment among those exporters rose from 145 to 285 specialists, a 97 percent increase. Sector-wide digital services exports reached $2,606,287 in 2025 and $716,970 in the first half of 2026 alone.

Manufacturing capacity has followed the software growth. Global Optical Communication Uzbekistan, a joint venture with South Korean sector partners, produces fiber-optic cable domestically, having manufactured 232,100 kilometers of cable worth 657.5 billion soums between 2022 and 2025, alongside localization of production and new job creation.

Where the cooperation runs deepest

The breadth of Uzbek-Korean digital cooperation is easiest to see sector by sector.

Government-to-government. Cooperation rests on agreements signed between the two countries' digital technology, internal affairs, security, science, and ICT authorities, alongside joint work within international telecommunication and postal bodies. The clearest expression of this is the planned Digital Government Cooperation Center, to open in Tashkent between 2026 and 2028 with Korea's Ministry of Interior and Safety (MOIS), which already cooperates with Uzbekistan on digital government development. Its mandate covers policy consulting, joint research, civil-servant training, and adapting Korean administrative-technology practice for Uzbek systems — including the modernization of the national services portal described above, an international digital-government forum, and a program to train digital-transformation leads inside individual government bodies. Civil-servant training is already running: Korea's LOGODI institute has been upskilling ten Uzbek officials a year, thirty in total so far.

Healthcare. With technical support from Korea's KOFIH (Korea Foundation for International Healthcare), Uzbekistan is digitizing its national screening system with UZINFOCOM, aiming at earlier disease detection and better monitoring. A separate project, backed by a Korean financial institution, is building a hospital information system integrating medical imaging, AI diagnostics, and electronic medical records, alongside staff training. A state technology integrator has signed a cooperation agreement with a Korean private technology company to bring Uzbek-developed digital solutions into the Korean and Southeast Asian markets — early discussions cover HR-management systems and biometric identification for government buildings.

Artificial intelligence. The two countries frame AI cooperation around complementary strengths: Korea brings a developed regulatory framework, a national data platform, prepared datasets, AI safety mechanisms, high-performance computing, and industrial AI experience; Uzbekistan brings an adopted national AI strategy, an emerging open-data system, and an institutional base for applying AI in public administration and the economy. The stated ambition is for Uzbekistan to pilot AI solutions in healthcare, education, and public services, then extend proven models across Central Asia — positioning Korean partners at the front of a regional rollout, not a single national market.

Education. The Tashkent branch of Inha University, operating since 2014, runs a 4+0 bachelor's program in computer engineering, a 3+1 program in business logistics, and a 1+1 MBA in digital transformation, with Korean-language instruction and robotics workshops; close to 670 students have studied in South Korea through its exchange programs, and ten top students go to Inha's home campus each year on Summer School grants. Tashkent University of Information Technologies hosted more than 80 Korean professors between 2018 and 2023, sent 63 students on exchange to South Korean universities, and is building a joint Business-IT program with a Korean partner university, alongside joint tracks in big data and AI, AI-driven fintech, and ICT engineering. Cyber University has moved quickly on Korean ties: KAIST faculty visited in October 2025, a December 2025 delegation to Konkuk University's GLOCAL campus produced an agreement on faculty exchange and joint research, and a separate industry partnership with a South Korean AI company covers applied research and student projects. Cheju-Halla University runs a joint program for a selected group of high-performing Uzbek students.

Government funding underpins much of this training pipeline. KOICA (the Korea International Cooperation Agency) is running a $14 million project to build out Uzbekistan's IT-education ecosystem, and in 2025 alone funded professional training for 45 civil servants at a cost of $450,000. Korea IT Academy co-runs the Uzbekistan Summer Camp together with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technologies, the Center for Digital Education Development, and School 21, alongside a dual-degree program with Uzbek partners. In total, Korean grants and investment for joint projects reached roughly $17 million in 2026 — about $14 million from KOICA and roughly $1 million each from Cheju-Halla University, Korea IT Academy, and MOIS — funding IT education, digital-government cooperation, workforce training, and youth innovation projects. Much of that training tracks Korean labor-market demand directly: software developers, AI engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, cloud and DevOps engineers, mobile and web developers, and GovTech specialists are among the roles Korean employers are seeking from this pipeline.

Alongside these institutional partnerships, the Ministry of Digital Technologies has expanded initiatives to bring more youth into STEM and IT careers.

Korean partners are not being asked to imagine a market. They are already inside Uzbekistan's infrastructure, hospitals, classrooms, and government data systems, with contracts and counterparts in place.

“Our cooperation with South Korea today reaches into nearly every layer of our digital economy — from the fiber-optic plant producing cable for our own telecommunications networks, to the data center that now stores the records of our national digital-government system, to the hospitals adopting Korean-backed diagnostic tools, and the classrooms where Korean professors and Korean grants train our students. Korean partners committed roughly $17 million to joint projects in the past year alone, spanning IT education, digital government, artificial intelligence, and workforce training. This is one of our most substantive technology partnerships, and we intend to deepen it further — through a joint digital government center, expanded AI cooperation, and a wider door for Korean companies into our market and the region beyond it.”

— Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

International positioning

Uzbekistan has been positioning itself as a regional hub for digital cooperation in Central Asia, a role reinforced by its hosting the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) in 2026. For Korean partners, this matters beyond Uzbekistan's own market: solutions piloted domestically are explicitly intended to extend across neighboring Central Asian countries once proven.

Over the next three to five years, the areas most likely to define Uzbek-Korean digital cooperation are the ones already carrying the heaviest institutional weight: the joint digital government center, continued data-center and healthcare-infrastructure financing, AI pilots in public administration and healthcare, and the education and grant pipelines feeding all of it. None of this depends on the outcome of any single meeting — it depends on scaling relationships that already have contracts, campuses, and funding behind them. For Korean partners, that is the signal worth reading: a market already under construction, not one still being pitched.

At a glance

• Korean-capital IT Park Uzbekistan residents grew from 15 (H1 2024) to 23 (H1 2026), +53 percent; resident companies exporting IT services to South Korea doubled, from 12 to 25, over the same period.
• Korean grants and investment for joint digital projects reached roughly $17 million in 2026, led by a $14 million KOICA project to build out Uzbekistan's IT-education ecosystem.
• A Korean IT company built Uzbekistan's e-government data center under EDCF financing; a joint Uzbek-Korean Digital Government Cooperation Center, developed with Korea's MOIS, is planned for Tashkent for 2026–2028.
• Global Optical Communication Uzbekistan, a joint venture with South Korean partners, produced 232,100 km of fiber-optic cable worth 657.5 billion soums between 2022 and 2025.
• Korean partners are engaged across healthcare digitization (KOFIH, hospital information systems), AI cooperation, and education (Inha University's Tashkent branch, TATU, Cyber University, Cheju-Halla University, Korea IT Academy).