Between 12 and 18 March, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela will visit the five Central Asian countries to strengthen the EU – Central Asia partnership ahead of the EU – Central Asia Summit and scale up Global Gateway, the EU’s investment strategy to boost jobs and sustainable economic growth.

Commissioner Síkela said: “Central Asia is an important partner for the European Union, and our cooperation offers a great potential for the future. More than ever, current global challenges emphasize the need for solid partnerships, and that is exactly what I aim to strengthen during my mission. My goal is to focus on key Global Gateway projects, which the EU and Central Asian partners are advancing together to create quality jobs, unlock new business opportunities, and improve essential services – from education to modern infrastructure”.

The Commissioner’s visit will focus on the main Global Gateway priority areas in Central Asia:

– transport, with a particular emphasis on the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor to reduce travel times and boost trade;

– critical raw materials, to promote best practices, new jobs, and economic resilience;

– digital connectivity, to bridge the digital gap and boost access to secure high-speed internet;

– the water, energy, and climate sector, including the flagship project to support the construction of resilient infrastructure, to promote access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy.

During the visit, the Commissioner will sign several contracts linked to the above four key priority areas.

The Commissioner will conclude his visit in Uzbekistan, meeting with high-level government representatives. He will travel to the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex and meet with Uzbek and European businesses. The next day, he will attend the signing ceremony of regional projects in the field of digital connectivity.

The visit will be conducted in the Team Europe spirit: EU financing institutions, the European Investment Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as the EU private sector and Member States present in the region will take part in different parts of the mission. The upcoming first-ever EU – Central Asia Summit in early April, as well as the Global Gateway Forum in June, will further build on the commitment of the EU and Central Asia to delivering lasting impact.

Global Gateway is the EU’s positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity, boost smart, clean, and secure connections in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, and strengthen health, education, and research systems.

Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA