Uzbek-Belgian relations: trust, pragmatism and prospects for a new stage of partnership

Political interaction: stable partnership and mutual respect

Relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Belgium are being built on the principles of mutual respect, equality and constructive dialogue. Belgium recognized the independence of Uzbekistan on December 31, 1991, and diplomatic relations were established on March 10, 1992. In 1995, the Embassy of Uzbekistan began operating in Brussels, and the Belgian side coordinates cooperation through the diplomatic mission in Astana.

Over the past eight years, Uzbek-Belgian cooperation has received a noticeable impetus for development, mutual trust has strengthened and areas of practical interaction have expanded. Regular exchanges of messages between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and King Philippe of the Belgians serve as evidence of mutual respect and desire to strengthen friendly ties.

Interregional cooperation and humanitarian ties

Interregional contacts play an important role in the development of Uzbek-Belgian relations. Tashkent maintains sister city ties with the city of Kortrijk, and Samarkand with Liege. Such partnerships open up opportunities for the exchange of experience in the field of urban infrastructure, innovation, ecology and cultural programs.

The bust of Abu Ali ibn Sino installed in Kortrijk became a symbol of respect and historical connection, which became a kind of bridge between the East and Europe. Such cultural and humanitarian projects strengthen mutual understanding between peoples and help strengthen the positive image of Uzbekistan on the European continent.

Trade and economic cooperation: growing opportunities and new directions

Dynamics of trade turnover and investment interest

Belgium is one of the most active economic partners of Uzbekistan in the European Union. The countries enjoy most favored nation treatment, and trade volumes show steady growth - from $70 million in 2020 to $212.7 million in 2024. The structure of bilateral exchange remains balanced, reflecting the diversification of supplies and mutual business interests.

Uzbekistan’s exports to Belgium include industrial and food products, textiles, chemical products, construction materials and services. The bulk of imports are equipment, components, pharmaceutical products, chemicals and precious metals.

Today, 16 enterprises with Belgian capital operate in Uzbekistan, including Picanol, Van de Wiele, Gosselin Caucasus & Central Asia, Aatko Carpets and Intraco. These companies are actively involved in the modernization of textile production, the development of logistics, agriculture and the food industry. Their activities contribute to the introduction of new technologies, improving product quality and creating jobs.

Industry interaction and technological partnership

Industrial and technological cooperation is of particular importance. Belgian companies are known for their high level of engineering solutions in the fields of mechanical engineering, weaving equipment, chemistry and processing. The supply of modern Picanol and Van de Wiele weaving machines has become an important element in the modernization of the Uzbek textile cluster, which has increased the productivity and export potential of the industry.

A promising area of ​​cooperation is the green economy. The Belgian side is interested in participating in projects to improve energy efficiency, waste recycling and the development of renewable energy sources. A dialogue is underway on the possible involvement of Belgian technologies in projects of “smart cities”, water treatment and sustainable agricultural production.

Business missions and new cooperation platforms

In May 2024, a business mission of 17 Belgian companies represented in the fields of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food industry, IT and environmental technologies. During the visit, meetings took place in B2B and B2G formats, presentations of the investment potential of the regions, as well as a discussion of opportunities for localizing joint production.

In the same year, the Benelux Chamber of Commerce was opened in Tashkent, uniting the business circles of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Its activities are aimed at supporting investors, organizing business forums, roadshows and participation in industry exhibitions. The Chamber has become a new channel of communication between the private sector and government agencies of the two countries.

Regular business contacts are maintained with the agencies AWEX, FIT and Hub.Brussels. Together, the parties are working on projects in the field of digitalization of production processes, biotechnology, processing of agricultural raw materials and logistics.

Investment and infrastructure prospects

Uzbekistan considers Belgium as an important partner in the implementation of large infrastructure projects. Belgian companies have experience in the construction of industrial and transport facilities, management of ports and warehouse complexes, which is of interest to the Uzbek program of industrialization and modernization of the transport system.

Among the priority areas are pharmaceuticals, where Belgian manufacturers have global competencies; agro-industry, including the introduction of precision farming technologies; and food processing, where joint investments in export-oriented enterprises are possible. In addition, potential in the field of financial technologies is being discussed, including cooperation with Mastercard Europe PLC, whose representative office is accredited in Tashkent.

The potential for further growth in bilateral trade remains significant. Prospects are associated with expanding access of Uzbek products to the European market within the framework of GSP+ status, as well as with the development of transport corridors connecting Central Asia and Europe through the Caspian and Black Seas.

Contractual legal framework and prospects

The legal framework of Uzbek-Belgian relations includes 10 interstate and interdepartmental documents regulating key areas of cooperation. Agreements on mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports and on readmission are under development, which will create new conditions for strengthening political, business and humanitarian contacts.

Conclusion: strategic partnership in action

Modern Uzbek-Belgian relations are a stable, pragmatic and mutually beneficial format interactions based on trust and common goals. They organically fit into Uzbekistan’s strategy to deepen cooperation with the European Union, diversify foreign trade and introduce innovative technologies.

Belgium, being one of the key centers of European diplomacy, logistics and finance, is an important partner of Uzbekistan in the EU, and Tashkent is becoming a reliable platform for promoting Belgian business in Central Asia.

The growth of business activity, the development of green and digital directions, the strengthening of cultural ties form the basis for a new stage of strategic partnership - aimed at concrete results, sustainable growth and shared prosperity for the people of both countries.