European Commissioner for International Partnerships to visit Uzbekistan in March

One of the main goals of the commissioner’s visit is to expand the scope of the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy, which is designed to foster job creation and promote sustainable economic growth.

“Central Asia is an important partner for the European Union, and our cooperation holds great potential for the future,” said Commissioner Síkela. “The current global challenges underscore the need for strong, resilient partnerships more than ever, and that is precisely what I aim to reinforce during my mission.”

He added that the visit will focus on advancing key Global Gateway projects that the EU and its Central Asian partners are working on together, aimed at creating quality jobs, opening new business opportunities, and improving vital services such as education and infrastructure.

The Commissioner’s visit will focus on the following priority areas of Global Gateway in Central Asia:

- Transport: Special emphasis on developing the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor to reduce transportation times and stimulate trade.

- Critical raw materials: Advancing best practices, creating new jobs, and boosting economic resilience.

- Digital connectivity: Bridging the digital divide and expanding access to secure, high-speed internet.

- Water resources, energy, and climate: Including a flagship project to support the construction of sustainable infrastructure, increasing access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy.

During the visit, the Commissioner will sign several agreements related to these priority areas.

The Commissioner’s regional tour will begin in Turkmenistan, where he will meet with government leaders and private sector representatives. He will also visit the Turkmenbashi port, a strategic point for the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.

In Kazakhstan, the Commissioner will meet with government officials and participate in the signing of bilateral and regional agreements in transport and critical raw materials. He will also meet with representatives from the business sectors of Kazakhstan and the EU.

In Tajikistan, the Commissioner will hold several meetings with government officials, followed by the signing of important projects supporting the transition to green energy and the local cotton value chain. He will also visit the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Plant.

In Kyrgyzstan, the Commissioner will meet with government leaders and take part in the signing ceremony for projects in water resources, energy, transport, and human capital development. Discussions will also take place with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on potential investments in the country. One key topic will be the possible support for the construction of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant. Additionally, the Commissioner will meet with youth representatives and UN officials.

The Commissioner’s tour will conclude in Uzbekistan, where he will meet with senior government officials, visit the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AMMC), and exchange views with Uzbek and European entrepreneurs. The following day, Jozef Síkela will participate in a signing ceremony for regional projects in digital connectivity.

As noted in the statement, the visit will be carried out in the spirit of Team Europe, with participation from EU financial institutions, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as the private sector and member states present in the region.

“The upcoming EU–Central Asia summit in early April, along with the Global Gateway Forum in June, will further strengthen the EU and Central Asia’s commitment to ensuring a long-term, impactful partnership,” the delegation added.

Global Gateway is the EU’s strategy aimed at reducing global investment inequality, promoting secure and smart connectivity in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, and strengthening health, education, and research systems.

To implement this strategy, Team Europe brings together the European Union, EU member states, and European development finance institutions. Team Europe aims to mobilize up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027.