Uzbekistan Update: Special Edition - Presidential Visit to Brussels & EUROUZ Economic Day
Biweekly update on key developments in Uzbekistan
“In Samarkand, we made a commitment to deepen our relations with Central Asian countries. Today we are delivering on that commitment, by reinforcing our long-standing relationship with Uzbekistan. The Enhanced Cooperation and Partnership Agreement provides a framework for Uzbekistan and the European Union to work together for the mutual benefit of our citizens. It is the moment to consolidate an already strong partnership.” - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
“Uzbekistan is an important partner for the EU. Today’s landmark agreement opens a new chapter in EU–Uzbekistan relations. It marks a significant step forward in our political, trade, and security ties. Human rights, civil society engagement, and democracy will be central building blocks for our closer cooperation. Together, we are building a stronger partnership.” - Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
October 23rd, 2025 Annual Uzbekistan Economic Day
Pictures from the event | Press Release
Brussels, 23 October 2025 – The Europe‑Uzbekistan Association for Economic Cooperation (EUROUZ) hosted its flagship forum “Uzbekistan Economic Day in Europe”, drawing over 250 senior policymakers, business leaders and institutional representatives to discuss investment, trade and innovation between the European Union and Uzbekistan. The event, held on the eve of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Brussels (23-24 October), affirmed EUROUZ’s growing role as a key bridge between Europe’s markets and Uzbekistan’s reform-driven economy.
Highlights of the forum included opening remarks by European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, and EUROUZ Chairman Pierre‑Paul Antheunissens, who underlined shared ambitions for sustainable development, connectivity and economic modernisation. Thematic sessions showcased Uzbekistan’s emergence as a global business hub, its role as a Eurasian logistics node and its potential in digital and raw-materials markets; the day concluded with a series of memorandums of understanding and partnership agreements between Uzbek and European institutions in sectors ranging from telecoms and pharmaceuticals to logistics and digital infrastructure.
Important Documents Signed in Brussels on 23 - 24 October 2025
Memorandum of Understanding – exchanged between the Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry (Uzbekistan) and Schaeffer Nutraceuticals (Germany) - Cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, including knowledge exchange, promotion of investment and trade, development of production capacities; including vitamins and dietary supplements; as well as exchange of research, technologies, and innovations
Agreement on the implementation of a satellite communication project – exchanged between UZ-SAT LLC (Uzbekistan) and SES / VEON (Beeline) - Implementation of satellite communication technologies to expand broadband Internet access in remote regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Term Sheet), including the supply of large quantity terminals
Agreement on prospective cooperation – exchanged between Uzkhimyosanoat JSC (Uzbekistan) and NEXTCHEM S.p.A. (Italy) - Assessment of potential opportunities in the field of carbon capture and storage (CCS)
Contract for the supply of cable products – exchanged between ProCab JV LLC (Uzbekistan) and Admetos Trading GmbH (Germany) - Contract for the supply of cable products (USD 90 million)
Roadmap for Strengthened Cooperation between the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (MIIT) and EUROUZ in the Areas of Investment, Foreign Trade, and Economic Development – Next Steps Following the EU–Central Asia Summit (Samarkand, 2025)
Partnership Action Plan – exchanged between the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (Uzbekistan) and Ahlers Logistics (Belgium) - Consideration of the establishment of a logistics hub in Tashkent or Samarkand to optimize regional and international freight transportation, as well as to stimulate trade and investment
Partnership Action Plan – exchanged between the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (Uzbekistan) and Bluemont (Europe) - Consideration of an initiative to promote the use of modular electric barges for sustainable and innovative logistics of Uzbek cargo through the Caspian Sea, aimed at enhancing transport connectivity, environmental efficiency, and expanding the region’s export opportunities.
Partnership Action Plan – exchanged between the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (Uzbekistan) and AIM Group -Promotion of participation in the construction and development of industrial zones and manufacturing enterprises in Uzbekistan in order to strengthen industrial potential and attract foreign direct investment
Uzbekistan's President Visit to Brussels
EUROUZ Co-organized Uzbekistan President’s Meeting with European Business Leaders
During his official visit to Belgium, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan held a roundtable with senior executives. The meeting was attended by the EU Commissioner for enlargement Marta Kos, the top management from companies and corporations such as Vandewiele, Linde, Rhenus Logistics, Ahlers Logistics, Lasselsberger Group, Pietro Fiorentini, NextChem, Meridiam, SUEZ, FMO, European Investment Bank, Commerzbank, KfW, Textima, Chimcomplex, Metso and others. The meeting highlighted the growing trust between Uzbekistan and the EU, with the upcoming Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement set to elevate bilateral ties.
President Mirziyoyev noted that trade has doubled and European joint ventures now exceed one thousand, demonstrating investor confidence in Uzbekistan’s reforms. He outlined priorities for cooperation in high value-added production, green energy, infrastructure modernization, and digital innovation. EUROUZ is proud to have coordinated the referenced meeting jointly with the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The meeting was attended by the Secretary General of EUROUZ, along with 25 senior executives from European companies, many of whom are EUROUZ members.
Uzbekistan and the European Union Signed Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
Uzbekistan and the European Union signed the long-awaited Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) in the presence of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Replacing the 1996 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the new document significantly expands the legal framework of bilateral relations. Negotiations began in 2019 and concluded in 2022, culminating in a comprehensive agreement consisting of nine sections, 356 articles, and 14 annexes. The EPCA covers key areas such as political dialogue, trade and investment, sustainable development, science and education, innovation, high technology, environmental protection, and climate action. This landmark agreement ushers in a new era of strategic partnership, reinforcing Uzbekistan–EU cooperation at an unprecedented level.
Uzbekistan and EU Deepen Strategic Partnership, Advancing Historic Agreement and WTO Accession
Tt the European Council headquarters in Brussels, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss advancing Uzbekistan–EU relations. They highlighted the completion of Uzbekistan’s bilateral negotiations on accession to the World Trade Organization a crucial step toward full WTO membership and closer integration with the global and European economies.
The sides commended the growing institutional dialogue, including Uzbekistan’s participation in the EU Global Gateway Forum and multiple high-level economic meetings. Recent business events led to agreements on new joint projects worth over €10 billion, complementing an existing portfolio exceeding €40 billion. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in investment, critical minerals, infrastructure, science, education, and visa facilitation to enhance connectivity and partnership.
President of Uzbekistan meets with the King of the Belgians
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with King Philippe of the Belgians at the Castle of Laeken to discuss expanding cooperation in trade, investment, culture, and humanitarian affairs. King Philippe congratulated the Uzbek leader on the signing of the historic Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union and praised the progress in Uzbek–Belgian relations. Both sides noted the steady growth in political dialogue, economic ties, and cultural exchanges, including city partnerships between Tashkent and Kortrijk, Samarkand and Liège, and the unveiling of an Avicenna monument in Kortrijk. The discussion also highlighted the success of Belgian companies operating in Uzbekistan and the establishment of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in Tashkent. The leaders emphasized the importance of new business missions and cultural initiatives, and President Mirziyoyev extended an invitation for King Philippe to visit Uzbekistan.
Key Outcomes:
Signing of the Historic Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA): Uzbekistan and the European Union concluded a landmark agreement that establishes a modern and comprehensive framework for political, economic, and social cooperation, replacing the 1996 accord.
Elevation of Uzbekistan–EU Relations to a Strategic Level: The President’s meetings with EU leaders European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed mutual commitment to deeper strategic engagement across trade, investment, energy, transport, and digital innovation.
Progress Toward WTO Accession: Uzbekistan and the EU welcomed the completion of bilateral negotiations on Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization, marking a crucial step in the country’s economic integration with global markets.
Major Investment and Business Agreements: Business forums and roundtables in Brussels resulted in agreements on new joint projects worth over €10 billion in key sectors such as energy, chemicals, logistics, critical minerals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. The total portfolio of Uzbekistan–EU projects now exceeds €40 billion.
Strengthening of Human Capital and Innovation Cooperation: Both sides emphasized collaboration in education, science, technology, and digital transformation, including initiatives in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Deepening Bilateral Ties with Belgium: President Mirziyoyev’s meeting with King Philippe highlighted growing Uzbek–Belgian relations, expansion of trade and investment cooperation, and enhanced cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
Commitment to Broader Regional and Global Engagement: Uzbekistan reaffirmed its readiness to actively cooperate within the “Central Asia–EU” framework and to contribute to regional connectivity, sustainable development, and global economic partnerships.
The agreements sets the scene for a deeper strategic partnership combining trade, investment, digital and green transitions with political dialogue and positions Uzbekistan as a key partner for the EU in Central Asia. The real test now will be converting this ambition into concrete reforms, projects and durable results.