Uzbekistan – Slovakia: On the way to further strengthen friendship

Tashkent, June 11 (UzA/APP) : The Uzbekistan – Slovakia Business Forum was held in Tashkent within the framework of the Fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum. The event was attended by Shokhrukh Gulomov, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
This forum served as a vital platform to deepen bilateral relations, explore new areas of cooperation, and lay a solid foundation for further development of economic ties between the two countries.
The presence of the Slovak business delegation reaffirmed Slovakia’s growing interest in enhancing cooperation with Uzbekistan. The participation of high-profile entrepreneurs reflects increased mutual trust and reveals significant opportunities to expand economic engagement.
According to Mr. Gulomov, trade between Uzbekistan and Slovakia grew significantly in 2024. Bilateral trade reached €72.5 million, marking a 48.7% increase compared to 2023 – clear evidence of strengthening economic cooperation.
Slovak companies have expressed strong interest in strengthening and expanding their presence in the Uzbek market. Notable firms such as AZC, OFZ, Rokosan, and Matador bring expertise in automotive, metallurgy, infrastructure, agriculture, food production, and energy sectors.
Slovakia’s key exports include tires, automotive parts, and metal products, while proposed Uzbek exports to Slovakia include rice, fruits (especially grapes), and garments.
Positive changes in trade include a 54.8% increase in Slovak exports, while imports declined by 3.5%. These trends pave the way for further growth in economic relations between the two countries.
Such partnerships are critical in ensuring stable economic growth and unlocking long-term investment and technological exchange opportunities.
Uzbekistan remains an attractive hub for the region’s investment, innovation, and development. Both sides expressed readiness to deepen cooperation, implement joint projects, and explore new horizons of economic partnership.
During the forum, several agreements aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation were signed. Participants also took part in B2B and G2B meetings, where they had the opportunity to establish business contacts and discuss promising areas of collaboration.
Following the event, several bilateral agreements were signed covering 15 projects in mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, transportation, construction materials, agriculture, energy, food processing, information technology, healthcare, and metallurgy.