Aziz Gafurov, Head of the Secretariat of the Foreign Investors Council under the President of Uzbekistan spoke to Kursiv Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the 3rd EU–Central Asia Economic Forum.
«Almost every major international organisation and development institution now chooses Uzbekistan as the venue for its regional events. This is a clear signal that interest is rising sharply, especially in the priority areas highlighted today: critical raw materials, green energy, and digitalisation,» Gafurov said.
He stressed that the real value of EU–Central Asia cooperation lies in unification of efforts across the region.
«Central Asia functions as a single platform, yet each country brings its own unique strengths. This combination creates obvious opportunities for all sides.»
Comparing Uzbekistan with its neighbours Gafurov noted that the country has already embedded most of today’s discussed reforms into its national Development Strategy through 2030.
«A lot has already been done and even more is planned. Of course, structural reforms cannot be delivered overnight — they require time, qualified specialists, and substantial resources.»
He described the EU’s Global Gateway initiative as a perfect fit for these needs.
«Global Gateway brings exactly what we require: financial resources, expertise, cutting-edge technology, and the direct interest of transnational companies and international financial institutions. When they see the potential, they are ready to invest their own capital.»
According to Gafurov, the result will be simultaneous development of human capital and key industries — from agriculture to mining, digital infrastructure, and energy.
«This cooperation opens concrete prospects for long-term growth across the entire economy,» he concluded.
