About: Uzbekistan
Why is Uzbekistan relevant for the European Union?
Uzbekistan has been through significant policy changes over the past five years. Under the leadership of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country has moved from an isolated dictatorship into a young democracy, writes Vita Kobiela.
From Europe to Central Asia, converted containers are trendy
Pop-up stores and restaurants using converted shipping containers are a growing trend in Europe and across the world, apparently boosted by behavioural changes caused by the Covid pandemic. EURACTIV Bulgaria reports.
Central Asia is an obvious winner of better EU-China ties
Investment and better regional connectivity as well as an improved links with Europe may be a lifeline for the struggling Central Asian economies, writes Joel Ruet.
EU, Central Asia touch base virtually in turbulent times
EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell and Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen held a teleconference on Tuesday (17 November) with ministers from the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia, with which the EU is trying to forge closer relations.
Uzbekistan pushes back against Russian criticism over language policy
Uzbekistan on Monday (18 May) pushed back against Russian criticism of its plans to enforce the use of the Uzbek language in the civil service, in a rare rebuke of Moscow by Tashkent amid otherwise warm ties.
Uzbekistan to become observer in Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union
Uzbekistan will become an observer in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) before deciding if it wants to become a full member of the trade bloc, the Tashkent government said on Saturday (7 March).
Uzbekistan resists as US seeks to rally Central Asians against China
Uzbekistan on Monday (3 February) gently resisted Washington’s efforts to rally China’s central Asian neighbors against Beijing over its treatment of Muslim minorities, a contentious issue for the region which has close economic ties to China.
Germany launches ‘Green Central Asia’ initiative
A high-level ministerial conference in Berlin launched on Tuesday (28 January) the ‘Green Central Asia’ initiative, intended to support regional integration between the five Central Asian countries and Afghanistan. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who hosted the conference, stressed that...
Uzbekistan is open for ‘conscientious foreign investors’, seeks ‘honesty vaccine’
The president of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, addressed the newly formed parliament on Friday (24 January), laying out his plans for the next five years. The banking sector, fighting corruption, foreign direct investment, poverty reduction and international trade were at the...
Uzbekistan holds first legislative polls under pro-reform leader
Uzbekistan votes Sunday (22 December) in the former Soviet republic's first parliamentary elections since a new leader ushered in an era of reform after years of isolation and stagnation, yet voters' choices remain highly restricted.
Central Asia leaders meet again in sign of increased regional cooperation
A five-way summit hosted by Uzbekistan’s President Shavket Mirziyoyev took place in the Kuksaroy Palace in Tashkent, the country's capital, on Friday (29 November). The second meeting of Central Asia leaders in as many years focused on geopolitics and stability, but also on environmental concerns.
EU-sponsored Nur-Sultan conference ‘happily coincides’ with Central Asia summit
A two-day conference on “Enhanced integration and Prosperity in Central Asia” opened in Kazakhstan's capital Nur-Sultan on Thursday (28 November). Incidentally, it coincided with a summit of the leaders of the five Central Asian countries on Friday in Tashkent, the capital of neighbouring Uzbekistan.
Clothing imports to the EU: Achieving sustainability & transparency in the supply chain
The EU’s retail clothing sector sources textiles and clothes from all over the world. In addition to sourcing at the most competitive rates, they must also consider how industries, such as cotton production, are regulated in different countries, both in terms of the environment and international labour standards. VideoPromoted content
Elimination of child and forced labour in the Uzbek textile sector
Adkham Ikramov, Chairman of the Chamber of Trade and Industry of Uzbekistan, commended the efforts of Uzbekistan’s government since 2013 to eliminate child and forced labour in the cotton harvesting sector.
‘Almost impossible’ to rival China’s business clout in Central Asia
“China is coming with an offer nobody can refuse, while the EU is coming with an offer nobody can understand." For many in Central Asia, that phrase – although intended as a joke – best summarises the European way of doing business.
East-West corridor: ‘Hard’ versus ‘soft’ connectivity?
A conference organised by EURACTIV on ‘Global Eurasia – connectivity as a driver for peace, stability and security’ raised questions such as “greener” connectivity, in line with Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen’s priorities. But diplomats from the region were more focused on infrastructure.
Central Asia ministerial welcomes the EU’s new strategy for the region
Gathered in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on Sunday (7 July), the Foreign Ministers of the five Central Asian countries welcomed the new EU Strategy on Central Asia recently adopted by the EU.
EU and Central Asia: A new strategy
On 17 June 2019, the Council adopted a new EU strategy on Central Asia, adapting the EU policy to new opportunities which have emerged in the region.
Tusk tests the waters in Central Asia
European Council President Donald Tusk did a tour of three Central Asia countries last week, including Tajikistan, where the melting Pamir Glaciers illustrate the impact of climate change and the difficulties of water management in this part of the world.
Kazakhstan calls EU’s new Central Asia strategy ‘visionary’
Kazakhstan welcomes the EU's new vision for a stronger partnership with Central Asia, particularly as it took into account the country's proposals, its deputy foreign minister told EURACTIV and called the document, due to be adopted next month, "visionary".
CAREC economic corridors: Almaty-Bishkek and many more to come
The experience of the first economic corridor in Central Asia is Almaty-Bishkek, and the second in preparation, Shymkent-Tashkent-Khujand, were highlighted as blueprints for myriads of others to follow, at a debate in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan.
Narbaeva: Uzbekistan is determined to reform and put an end to negative stereotypes
Tanzila Narbaeva, the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, told EURACTIV about her country's efforts to develop modern agriculture, eliminate child or forced labour and invest in human capital, especially women.
Brussels ministerial paves the way to launching EU Central Asia strategy
The European Union is expected to define its strategy for Central Asia in early 2019. A preparatory meeting between the EU and the foreign ministers of the five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) took place in Brussels on Friday (23 November).