The President of Uzbekistan outlined the priorities of interaction in the “Central Asia – Italy” format

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the summit in the “Central Asia - Italy” format in Astana on May 30.

The event, chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was also attended by the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Issues of further development were considered multifaceted cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Italy. Particular attention was paid to the development of partnerships in the areas of investment and technology, the green economy, as well as the implementation of educational and cultural programs.

At the beginning of his speech, the head of state emphasized that the Uzbek side considers the current event in the context of agreements on the strategic partnership of the Central Asian region with Europe, reached in April of this year at the summit in Samarkand.

The mood for the development of productive practical interaction in this format was noted, taking into account, first of all, the technological, industrial and intellectual potential of our countries.

The demand for a platform for multilateral dialogue with Italy is also growing, taking into account the modern realities of global and regional political trends, the strengthening of common challenges to security and progress.

At the same time, the centuries-old history of trade and cultural relations of the region with Italy provides a solid basis for a full-scale partnership in the new phase.

Moving on to the issues on the agenda, the head of Uzbekistan presented his vision of the priorities of interaction in the “Central Asia - Italy” format.

First of all, the importance of continuing regular contacts at the level of foreign policy departments to coordinate approaches on a number of pressing international issues was noted. It was also proposed to launch working mechanisms for multilateral partnership and exchange of information from special services in the fight against terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking and illegal migration.

In the economic sphere, the leader of our country noted with satisfaction the three-fold increase in trade turnover and investment between Uzbekistan and Italy in recent years. Technological cooperation projects with leading Italian companies are being successfully implemented.

Taking into account the traditionally strong positions of the Italian business community in the innovative development of the country, it was proposed to launch a permanent platform for business dialogue - the Business Club "Central Asia - Italy" under the auspices of the chambers of commerce and industry of our countries. Such meetings with the wide participation of entrepreneurs will be held annually in the capitals of the countries of the region and Italy.

The President of Uzbekistan also noted the importance of the development and adoption of a comprehensive multilateral Industrial and Technological Cooperation Program, which provides for the creation of favorable conditions for technology transfer, the introduction of advanced knowledge and best practices, and the creation of high-tech industrial production.

It is emphasized that taking into account Based on the existing successful experience, priority areas of cooperation could be deep processing of mineral resources and agricultural raw materials; production of modern equipment for electrical, chemical, textile, leather, food and other processing industries; localization of component base and industrial goods; creation of design centers with leading Italian brands.

The head of our state said that for the implementation of projects of regional importance in the Tashkent region, a special industrial park is being created under the management of a European operator.

At the same time, the importance of attracting Italian government agencies SACE and SIMEST, as well as joint investment funds to support cooperation projects was noted.

Highly appreciating the fruitful cooperation with Italy in the field of green transformation, the leader of Uzbekistan called for the development of a full-scale partnership by launching a multilateral platform designed to facilitate the implementation of national decarbonization programs.

Expressed readiness to implement projects in the field of renewable energy, including the supply of “green” energy to the European Union, auditing and improving the energy efficiency of enterprises, modernizing water infrastructure and developing hydrogen technologies with the involvement of leading manufacturers and engineering companies in Italy.

Noting the fruitful activities of the branches of the Polytechnic of Turin and the University of Pisa in Tashkent, the head of our state welcomed the interest of other leading Italian universities in the region.

The President of Uzbekistan took the initiative to create a scientific and educational Consortium "Central Asia - Italy" to conduct and finance scientific developments and programs academic exchange and training in areas such as engineering, design, water conservation and biotechnology.

Expressed interest in launching a tourism alliance to establish partnerships between leading operators and create joint tourism products.

The great interest of the Italian public in the exhibitions and cultural events held in Rome and Florence was noted with satisfaction.

In this context, it is proposed to hold the Youth Forum of Creative Economy and Cultural Exchange of the Countries of the Region and Italy next year in Khiva.

The heads of state of Central Asia and the Prime Minister also spoke at the summit Italy. Following the event, a Joint Statement was adopted.

Official website of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan