BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. Uzbekistan and
the European Union have launched a joint working group to advance
the implementation of the EU’s €12 billion Global Gateway
investment package for Central Asia, focusing on projects in
energy, water, transport, digital connectivity, climate, and
critical raw materials, on Sept. 29 in Tashkent.
This was reflected in the statement by the Ministry of
Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, following the first
meeting of the Uzbekistan-EU Working Group on Investment and
Financial and Technical Cooperation, co-chaired by Uzbek Deputy
Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Akram Aliyev and Peteris
Ustubs, director of DG INTPA.
The sides discussed practical steps to implement the €12 billion
investment package announced by the European Union for Central Asia
at the Samarkand Summit in April 2025.
Particular attention was given to advancing joint projects in
energy, water resources, transport & digital connectivity, climate
& critical raw materials. The participants also discussed ways to
attract European financial and development institutions, as well as
private capital, to priority projects.
“The Working Group provides an important platform for
translating the Global Gateway investment package into concrete
projects and strengthening coordination between Uzbekistan and
European partners,” the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and
Trade said.
Additionally, the meeting covered opportunities to expand EU
grants and technical assistance, including under the bloc’s
financial programs for 2028–2034.
The sides agreed to develop the working group into a permanent
platform for coordinating investment initiatives, building a joint
project portfolio and advancing specific projects.
The new mechanism is intended to provide a structured channel
for coordinating Uzbekistan’s investment priorities with EU
financing and technical support, while facilitating the
participation of European financial institutions, development
partners and private investors.
