Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Speaking at the first "Central Asia – European Union" summit, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed key aspects of regional economic cooperation, investment initiatives, and sustainable development.

In his speech, he emphasized the importance of joint efforts in developing the economy and infrastructure, as well as Uzbekistan’s commitment to further strengthening relations with the EU.

One of the central topics was the position of Central Asia in the global economy. The President noted that experts from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development predict a 6% growth in the regional GDP, which significantly exceeds the average figures of other regions. This confirms the success of economic reforms and active participation of the region’s countries in international processes.

"In recent years, there has been a noticeable intensification of interaction with the European Union. Over seven years, the trade turnover between Central Asian countries and the EU has increased several times, reaching 54 billion euros," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

He stated that to further expand economic cooperation, Uzbekistan, with its EU partners, is launching new initiatives, including the Tashkent Investment Forum in June.

At the forum, organized jointly with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a portfolio of projects worth over 30 billion euros will be presented, involving leading European companies and banks.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also highlighted the importance of a functioning industrial and innovative ecosystem in the region, noting that major European corporations such as "TOTAL," "Siemens," "Linde," and "Airbus" successfully operate in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.

The President emphasized that these companies contribute significantly to the development of infrastructure, technologies, and environmentally friendly production.

An important topic was the opening of the European Investment Bank's office in Tashkent, which, according to the President, will help attract direct investment to Central Asia.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also pointed to the need to increase investments in green energy, innovation, and infrastructure, as well as to create conditions for sustainable economic growth.

"We are counting on support from our European partners to launch an Investment Platform to promote major regional projects in green energy, innovation, transport, infrastructure, and the agricultural sector," he noted, adding that "the goal is to create long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships to improve the quality of life in the region."

The President also emphasized the importance of developing transport connectivity between Central Asian countries and the European Union, pointing out that the lack of effective transport corridors is one of the main obstacles to delivering goods to European markets.

In this regard, he proposed holding a meeting of transport ministers from countries through which key routes pass under the auspices of the EU to develop coordinated approaches for expanding and utilizing the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.

Furthermore, Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined a strategic course for the development of renewable energy sources. "We plan to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy balance to 54% by 2030," he stated. As part of this plan, along with the creation of new capacities, the carbon credit market will be actively developed, and steps will be taken to implement cleaner and more environmentally safe technologies in the energy sector.

An important aspect of cooperation is also the support of small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in the field of women’s entrepreneurship. The President noted that Uzbekistan is ready to launch a joint program with the European Union aimed at supporting these projects, as well as establishing a "Central Asia – EU" Chamber of Commerce, which will facilitate the integration of the private sector and promote business development.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that deepening cooperation with the European Union in these key areas will bring significant benefits to all parties and become the foundation for further development of strategic partnership.