Uzbekistan and EU Set to Expand Economic and Trade Cooperation at Samarkand Summit

Uzbekistan and the European Union (EU) are preparing to enhance their trade and investment partnership, with new opportunities emerging in key sectors. The “Central Asia – European Union” Summit, scheduled for April 3–4, 2025, in Samarkand, will serve as a strategic platform to strengthen economic collaboration.

Trade between Uzbekistan and the EU has seen significant growth, reaching $6.4 billion in 2024, with exports increasing 3.6 times since 2017. Key European partners include Germany, France, Italy, and Poland, with major trade contributions in chemical products, machinery, and transportation equipment.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) from the EU has also surged, rising by 77% in 2024 to $4.1 billion, led by Germany, the Netherlands, and Cyprus. This growth highlights Europe’s increasing interest in Uzbekistan’s renewable energy, pharmaceutical, and infrastructure sectors.

The summit is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), enabling greater access to European markets. Uzbekistan’s GSP+ beneficiary status is also set to boost exports of agricultural and textile products.

With strong economic momentum, the Samarkand Summit aims to solidify Uzbekistan-EU trade ties, ensuring sustainable development and fostering greater regional connectivity.