Between March 12 and 18, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela will be visiting the five countries of Central Asia in order to enhance the partnership between the EU and Central Asia. This is in preparation for the upcoming EU-Central Asia Summit and to further the EU’s investment strategy, known as Global Gateway, which aims to promote job creation and sustainable economic growth. Commissioner Síkela stated, “Central Asia is a valuable partner for the European Union and our collaboration holds great potential for the future. In light of current global challenges, it is crucial to have strong partnerships, which is why I am focused on strengthening them during my visit. My goal is to prioritize key Global Gateway projects, which are being developed by the EU and our Central Asian partners, to generate quality jobs, open up new business opportunities, and improve essential services such as education and modern infrastructure.”
The main focus of the Commissioner’s visit will be on the following priority areas of Global Gateway in Central Asia: transport, with a specific emphasis on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor to decrease travel time and increase trade; critical raw materials to promote best practices, new employment opportunities, and economic resilience; digital connectivity to bridge the digital divide and improve access to secure high-speed internet; and the water, energy, and climate sector, including a flagship project to support the construction of resilient infrastructure and promote access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy.
During the visit, the Commissioner will also sign various contracts related to these four priority areas. The visit will conclude in Uzbekistan, where the Commissioner will meet with high-level government officials and visit the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex. He will also meet with businesses from both Uzbekistan and Europe and attend the signing ceremony of regional projects in the field of digital connectivity.
The visit will be conducted in the spirit of Team Europe, with the participation of EU financing institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as the EU private sector and Member States present in the region. The upcoming EU-Central Asia Summit in April and the Global Gateway Forum in June will further strengthen the commitment of the EU and Central Asia to achieving long-lasting impact.
Global Gateway is the EU’s initiative to reduce global investment disparities, promote smart, clean, and secure connections in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, and strengthen health, education, and research systems.
Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA.