Economic Cooperation - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kazakhstan Attracts British Agricultural Technologies

Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom have signed a roadmap for cooperation in agriculture, paving the way for partnerships in agricultural science, the export and processing of agricultural products, and the transfer of British agricultural technologies. According to the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture, the two countries also signed memorandums of understanding on collaboration in water resource management and the production of biopharmaceuticals in Kazakhstan in partnership with AstraZeneca. These agreements were concluded during the 11th meeting of the Kazakhstan-UK Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, held in London last week. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ermek Kenzhekhanuly stated that the introduction of British technologies and investment would enhance the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial sector and improve its resilience to climate change. "In 2024, agricultural trade between Kazakhstan and the UK totaled $50 million. We intend to significantly increase this figure," he said. At the meeting, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Kuantyrov, who headed the Kazakh delegation, emphasized the UK's strategic role: “The UK is one of Kazakhstan’s key trading partners and top investors, with total FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) exceeding $22 billion. We greatly value the UK’s contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s key industries and are committed to building a next-level partnership, focused on investment, technology, and knowledge transfer.” The Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed between the two countries last year has opened new avenues for collaboration in critical minerals, green energy and climate initiatives, transport and logistics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, education, and financial services.

Central Asia-EU Summit Uzbekistan Economic Cooperation EU-Central Asia Summit

Uzbekistan Prepares to Host Historic Central Asia-EU Summit in Samarkand

Samarkand is set to host the first-ever Central Asia-European Union (EU) summit on April 3-4, marking a pivotal moment in relations between the two regions. In the lead-up to the event, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke with Euronews about the growing cooperation between Central Asia and the EU. Deepening Economic Ties President Mirziyoyev emphasized the historical and strategic depth of Central Asia’s relationship with the EU. “Over the past 30 years, our partnership has grown steadily in trade, investment, security, and digital transformation. Today, we are entering a new phase of cooperation that will benefit both regions,” he said. In recent years, economic ties between the regions have strengthened significantly. Trade turnover has quadrupled over the past seven years, reaching €54 billion. European companies are increasingly investing in Uzbekistan and across Central Asia. Mirziyoyev noted that Central Asia has become a model for constructive dialogue and cooperation. “We have proven that through dialogue and mutual respect, we can resolve even the most complex issues. The recent agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on border demarcation is a testament to this approach.” As chair of the Central Asian Five, Uzbekistan is prioritizing regional security, economic integration, and environmental sustainability. Key infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Caspian and Trans-Afghan transport corridors, are central to improving connectivity with international markets. To attract further European investment, Uzbekistan has introduced reforms to improve the business climate. In 2024, trade with EU member states reached $6.4 billion, and more than 1,000 European companies now operate in the country. The anticipated signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) is expected to deepen economic relations. Mirziyoyev also proposed aligning the EU’s Global Gateway strategy with regional transport initiatives. “We must work together to simplify trade procedures and ensure that Central Asian products gain greater access to European markets. Only through joint efforts can we build a strong and resilient economic partnership,” he stated. He added that enhanced financial assistance from European institutions could further bolster the region’s economic resilience. Energy and Security: Shared Priorities Central Asia is emerging as an important player in global energy markets, particularly in renewable energy. Uzbekistan is implementing over 50 solar and wind projects, aiming to raise the share of renewables to 54% within five years. “Green energy is the future, and Uzbekistan is ready to lead this transformation in our region. A Central Asia-EU Clean Energy Partnership will help us achieve this goal,” Mirziyoyev said. On security, he emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and cyber threats. “We must strengthen our cooperation in security matters, because stability in Central Asia means stability in Europe as well.” Uzbekistan also continues its active engagement with Afghanistan, stressing the importance of inclusive dialogue and regional support. “Afghanistan should not be left in isolation. We must continue dialogue and provide support to help the Afghan people rebuild their country,” the president concluded.

Digital Connectivity critical raw materials Economic Cooperation

EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Focuses on Digital Connectivity and Critical Raw Materials

On March 18, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela visited Uzbekistan on the final leg of his Central Asia tour. In Tashkent, he met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to strengthen the growing partnership between Uzbekistan and the European Union. According to the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, discussions centered on expanding digital connectivity, promoting sustainability, and fostering job creation through critical raw materials. Another key focus was the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor to enhance trade. The visit also highlighted how the EU’s Global Gateway strategy supports infrastructure and clean energy initiatives. Both sides acknowledged the increasing momentum in EU-Uzbekistan relations, particularly in political, trade, economic, investment, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation. They also discussed preparations for the first-ever Central Asia-EU summit, set to take place in early April in Samarkand. New EU-Funded Projects in Uzbekistan As part of the Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity in Central Asia, Síkela witnessed the signing of agreements for two key EU-funded projects aimed at improving digital infrastructure across the region: The Connectivity for Central Asia (C4CA) Project - This initiative seeks to enhance digital infrastructure and regional integration, supporting economic growth and better access to online services. By fostering stronger digital ties among Central Asian countries, the project aims to bridge the digital divide and promote economic cooperation. The Satellite Connectivity for Underserved Populations Project - This project is designed to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved communities in Central Asia. By improving digital access in rural areas, the initiative supports education, healthcare, and economic development, aligning with the EU’s broader goal of promoting inclusive digital connectivity. Síkela underscored the importance of EU-Uzbekistan cooperation in improving internet access across the region. “European technology combined with Uzbek expertise can ensure more people have access to fast and secure internet, support businesses to grow, create new jobs, and improve living conditions in local communities. By investing in digital connectivity, we're bridging gaps, creating opportunities, and ensuring that Central Asia is ready to benefit from the digital economy,” he said. Cooperation on Critical Raw Materials During his visit, Síkela also toured the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, one of Uzbekistan’s key industrial facilities. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for sustainable resource development and responsible investment in critical raw materials, further strengthening economic cooperation between the EU and Uzbekistan.

critical raw materials EU Economic Cooperation Regional Development

Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Focuses on Critical Raw Materials and Regional Connectivity

On March 13, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela visited Kazakhstan and held negotiations with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu. As a result of the visit, the European Union and Kazakhstan have taken steps to strengthen their partnership, signing key agreements to support sustainable economic growth and foster regional connectivity, according to the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan. Investments in Transport and Renewable Energy During the visit, Commissioner Síkela and Kazakh officials oversaw the signing of a €200 million framework loan agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK). This loan, backed by an €18 million EU guarantee, will finance investments in sustainable transport and renewable energy. The initiative aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, particularly its programs on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and the Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy, and Climate Change. Síkela underscored the EU’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Kazakhstan through sustainable investments. “This financing agreement will boost connectivity, enhance renewable energy infrastructure, and further integrate Kazakhstan into the Trans-Caspian Corridor, a key component of the Global Gateway strategy,” he stated. Critical Raw Materials Cooperation The visit also marked the signing of a €3 million contract to enhance cooperation between the EU and Central Asia in the critical raw materials (CRM) sector. The agreement, implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), will support the identification of joint projects and promote international best practices for sustainable and responsible supply chains. Síkela highlighted the importance of the agreement, stating: “The EU and Kazakhstan are natural partners. Europe needs reliable access to critical raw materials, which are essential for modernizing our economy. We are committed to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation with Kazakhstan on their extraction and development. This partnership will support all Central Asian countries, strengthen Kazakhstan’s industrial capacity, create new opportunities for Kazakh businesses, drive innovation, and generate high-quality jobs.” Kazakhstan-EU Trade and Investments Foreign Minister Nurtleu reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to expanding its partnership with the EU. “Astana and Brussels have built a strong political dialogue, established dynamic cooperation between executive bodies, and fostered productive cultural and humanitarian ties between our peoples,” he said. According to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, the EU is Kazakhstan’s primary trade and investment partner. In 2024, bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and the EU totaled $49.7 billion, with Kazakhstan’s exports reaching $38.6 billion and imports totaling $11.1 billion. From 2005 to October 2024, the total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow from EU countries reached $200.7 billion, accounting for 47.8% of Kazakhstan’s total FDI inflows ($419.5 billion).

Agriculture Animal feed production Economic Cooperation Hungary

Kazakhstan Looks to Reduce Dependence on Feed Imports

On March 12, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Serik Zhumangarin, met with executives from Hungary’s UBM Group, which plans to build three plants in Kazakhstan to produce 48,000 tons of premixes and 300,000 tons of compound feed annually. The project also includes the establishment of a laboratory and a training center. According to the Kazakh government’s press service, the project aims to reduce Kazakhstan’s reliance on imported compound animal feed, which currently exceeds 250,000 tons per year. Zhumangarin emphasized that ensuring local livestock farmers have access to high-quality, domestically produced feed is a strategic priority for lowering meat production costs. He also reiterated Kazakhstan’s broader goal of meeting at least 90% of domestic food demand with locally produced goods, particularly essential food products. The UBM Group project will involve the construction of facilities in the Kostanay and Karaganda regions, as well as in Almaty. In the Karaganda region, a business partner and construction site have already been selected. In Kostanay and Almaty, local partners have been identified, but final decisions on construction sites are still pending. To expedite the process, Zhumangarin instructed local administrations and the Ministry of Agriculture to allocate land plots by the end of March, allowing the investor to begin earthworks in the second quarter of this year. The entire construction project is expected to be completed within two years.

Global Getaway Turkmenistan European Union Economic Cooperation EU

Visit by EU’s Sikela Strengthens Global Gateway Partnership with Turkmenistan

On March 12, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela visited Turkmenistan, as part of the European Union’s work to expand cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy. The visit focused on transport connectivity, renewable energy, and trade facilitation, aiming to integrate Turkmenistan into regional and global economic networks, according to the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan. Global Gateway and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor The Global Gateway strategy is the EU’s initiative to bridge global investment gaps by promoting sustainable connectivity in digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening education and research systems. The initiative seeks to mobilize €300 billion in public and private investments between 2021 and 2027, fostering sustainable growth and resilient partnerships worldwide. A key topic during Síkela’s meetings with Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov was the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, a strategic route enhancing connectivity between Central Asia and Europe. Síkela reaffirmed the EU’s support for Turkmenistan’s role in this corridor, emphasizing its potential to create faster, more secure trade routes. “We see Turkmenistan as a key partner for building stronger connections between Europe and Central Asia. By working together under the Global Gateway, especially through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, we are creating faster, more secure trade routes that will open new opportunities for businesses, attract investments, and create jobs. Our joint efforts aim to cut trade times between Europe and Asia to only 15 days, while helping Turkmenistan become an important hub for commerce between Asia and Europe.” According to the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, Berdimuhamedov highlighted the Turkmenbashi Port as a vital transit hub on the Caspian coast, offering a direct link to the Black Sea, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region. While in Turkmenistan, Síkela visited the Turkmenbashi Port, where he met with Mammethan Chakyev, Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers. He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting infrastructure modernization and regulatory alignment to international standards. Energy and Climate Cooperation As part of the visit, two key initiatives were launched under the EU-Turkmenistan bilateral cooperation facility: A €6 million project, implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), will support Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and promote economic modernization. A €4.5 million initiative, implemented by GIZ, aims to advance renewable energy development, reduce methane emissions, and improve energy efficiency. Síkela also welcomed Turkmenistan’s accession to the Global Methane Pledge, stressing the importance of emissions reduction and sustainable energy solutions for fostering a greener economy. The EU’s technical and financial assistance will further support Turkmenistan’s efforts to align with international trade and environmental standards.