The European Union sets out joint priority areas for cooperation with Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade, H.E. Sardor Umurzakov, and the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, addressed the launch conference by video. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade, Badriddin Abidov, the Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan, Charlotte Adriaen, as well as representatives of Uzbek ministries and state agencies, members of the diplomatic corps of EU countries, and senior leaders from international organisations active in the country.
European officials noted that EUR 83 million will be allocated to fund initiatives between 2021-2024 during the initial stage of the new MIP programme. This allocation includes EUR 76 million for budgetary support and technical assistance for joint projects in a wide range of sectors. The allocation also includes EUR 7 million for activies aimed at supporting civil society and human rights.
During the conference, European and Uzbek officials highlighted the implementation of projects and activities in areas including agriculture and green growth, improving the efficiency of public administration, and the digitalization of systems related to judicial and transportation services. The officials also discussed planned activities to further improve the investment climate as well as efforts to support the socioeconomic development of the Aral Sea region. During the event, the parties answered various questions regarding the practical implementation of the cooperation programme.
