Key initiatives from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address at the first Central Asia – European Union Summit:

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Key initiatives from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address at the first Central Asia – European Union Summit:

 

Strengthening Political Dialogue:

Establishing a strategic partnership between Central Asia and the EU.

Proposing a full Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Regular ministerial meetings and launching the “Central Asia – EU” Interparliamentary Forum (first meeting in Uzbekistan, autumn 2025).

Hosting the summit every two years, with Uzbekistan offering to act as Secretariat until the next meeting.

 

Boosting Economic and Tech Modernisation:

Hosting the Tashkent Investment Forum in June with the EBRD, showcasing €30 billion in projects with European firms.

Proposing a Regional Industrial Park for European companies in Uzbekistan.

Launching an Investment Platform for green energy, transport, and agriculture projects.

Suggesting a Central Asia – EU Chamber of Commerce and a programme for SMEs, especially women entrepreneurs.

 

Critical Raw Materials Cooperation:

Deepening ties with EU firms in geological exploration and processing.

Enhancing the Transcaspian transport corridor, with a proposed Transport Ministers’ meeting under EU auspices.

 

Green Energy and Sustainability:

Supporting electricity exports to Europe, with Uzbekistan targeting 54% renewable energy and 24,000 MW of green capacity by 2030.

Proposing a Central Asia – EU Clean Energy Partnership and a Working Group for carbon credits.

Presenting the Central Asia Green Development Concept at the Samarkand Climate Forum.

 

Investing in Human Capital:

Seeking quotas under the Erasmus+ programme and establishing a Horizon Europe office in Uzbekistan.

Proposing a Scientific and Tech Exchange Programme (AI, big data, digital transformation).

Hosting the first Central Asia – EU Tourist Forum in Bukhara and pushing for a single Central Asia visa.

 

Security and Regional Stability:

Supporting an EU counterterrorism dialogue and expanding BOMCA/CADAP programmes.

Continuing consultations on Afghanistan, promoting its economic integration.

 

Implementation Mechanisms:

Proposing a “Central Asia – EU” Partnership Committee at Deputy PM level with annual meetings.

Suggesting a roadmap within one month for all agreements.

Trade between Central Asia and the EU has soared to €54 billion over the past 7 years, and regional GDP is set to grow by 6% this year, per EBRD estimates.

A historic step forward for cooperation!