Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Romania has expressed its readiness to support Uzbekistan’s access to the international transport route Caspian-Black Sea, said Romanian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Daniel Cristian Chobanu in an exclusive interview with Trend.

According to the ambassador, Romania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkmenistan are working on implementing this multimodal route, which includes using the Black Sea port of Constanța and the Danube River to ensure a fast and cost-effective transport route to Central Europe.

"As soon as the route starts functioning, we will offer it to Uzbek economic operators. This route will significantly reduce the time and costs of transporting goods from Uzbekistan to Romania and Europe, and vice versa. We see great prospects in this area of cooperation," he noted.

The ambassador emphasized the importance of transport routes in bilateral relations. In this context, a meeting of the Joint Commission on Road Transport between Romania and Uzbekistan took place in Bucharest on 27-28 March 2024, during which the liberalization of bilateral and transit goods transportation started on 1 June 2024. Opportunities were also provided for transportation to third countries with a certain number of permits. These measures significantly contribute to the development of transport cooperation and strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

"In the first half of 2024, bilateral trade between our countries increased by more than 111%, reaching US$41.6 million. Trade between Uzbekistan and Romania continues to grow, with 2022 marking a record year in our economic relations. Romanian statistics recorded a 336.5% growth in trade compared to 2021, and exports from Romania to Uzbekistan increased by more than 116.5%," the ambassador highlighted.

Chobanu explained this growth by the successful reforms carried out in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, which create new opportunities for international cooperation.

"Romanian companies are increasingly interested in Uzbekistan, especially in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, construction, food industry, and IT. For example, a joint venture for pharmaceutical production is already operating in Uzbekistan, and new areas for cooperation are emerging. Romanian business is also represented in the construction industry and is involved in a significant project in the food industry," the ambassador added.

The ambassador stressed the importance of further expanding economic ties, including improving transport infrastructure, which will play a key role in sustaining the growth of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Moreover, Chobanu noted that in 2022, with Romania’s support and with UNICEF’s participation, two healthcare and education projects were implemented in Uzbekistan. One of the projects involved the transfer of medical equipment to the Multifunctional Medical Center for Children in Termez, while the other focused on opening two preschools for children from remote areas of Khorezm Region.

"Romania continues to provide significant assistance to Uzbekistan, including expert services to support reforms in the social sphere. For example, in January-February 2024, a delegation from Uzbekistan’s Social Protection Agency visited Romania to study the country’s experience in social protection," he added.

In recent years, the number of business delegations has significantly increased, and Romanian companies’ interest in Uzbekistan continues to grow. In November 2024, a delegation from Uzbekistan’s IT Park, led by CEO Farhod Ibragimov, visited Romania, where they held successful negotiations with major Romanian IT companies.