No country can develop alone, in isolation from the rest of the world. In recent years, Uzbekistan has opened up to the world. Large-scale mutually beneficial cooperation with many countries has reached a new level. This serves the comprehensive development of the state.

Singapore ranks first in the world in the annual Index of Economic Freedom. The country is also a leader in attracting foreign investment, occupies a leading position in electronics, pharmaceuticals, education, and healthcare, the taxation system, and is recognized as the world’s financial center. This country also seeks to establish large-scale cooperation with states that follow a unique development path.

January of this year. The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a state visit to Singapore at the invitation of President Halimah Yacob. After this meeting, cooperation between our countries intensified. Following the visit, a portfolio of $3 billion 800 million investment projects was formed. Since the beginning of the year, mutual trade indicators have increased several times. Currently, Singapore is a significant investor in Uzbekistan.

Mutually beneficial cooperation has entered a new phase. On May 23-25 this year, at the invitation of the President of Uzbekistan, the President of the Republic of Singapore Halimah Yacob, paid a return visit to Uzbekistan.

The prospects for enhancing economic cooperation, including in other areas, were discussed in detail. Experts and representatives of various fields emphasize that mutual agreements will give good results in the future.

As part of the business program of the visit, an Uzbekistan – Singapore Business Forum was held. We talked with representatives of the delegation of the Republic of Singapore. They stressed that they are convinced that cooperation in trade, logistics, innovation, energy, and healthcare will bring the expected results in the future.

“We see many opportunities for doing business in Uzbekistan”, Shahzad Naseem, head of the Singapore business delegation, said. – At the same time, I would like to mention the technological network. After all, the development of many industries depends on technology. Our specialists in this field have arrived in your country. I would also like to discuss the “smart city” and infrastructure, education, and manufacturing. Uzbekistan is a gateway to Central Asia, a transit corridor between Asia and Europe. It should be used effectively. Many projects were launched during your President’s visit to Singapore in January. They are already being implemented effectively.

Indeed, both countries are interested in enhancing collaboration. According to the data, the number of joint ventures with the participation of Singaporean capital has increased three and a half times over the past six to seven years. It is planned to increase this figure in the future.

“We are pleased that we have signed an appropriate cooperation agreement within the framework of the forum”, Kong Wy Mun, CEO of the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise, said. – In our agreements, attention is paid to developing a green economy. This is the first initiative of our company in Uzbekistan. We are consulting with your government representatives about other areas to work together. We have big plans.

During the discussions, among the priorities were the expansion of cooperation in tourism, ensuring food security, and establishing the supply of fruits and vegetables to the Singaporean market.

“We got acquainted with the rich history of Uzbekistan, the traditions and values of your people”, the Minister for Manpower – the Second Minister for Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore Tan See Leng said. – There are many reasons for developing cultural and tourism ties between our countries. We will focus on tourism exchange projects for historical sites in this regard. At the same time, your country has a unique experience in agriculture, especially in horticulture. In short, both countries have a lot to learn from each other.

Fortunately, mutually beneficial cooperation, previously focused mainly on education and trade, has expanded in all directions. This will give good results in the future.

Ikrom Avvalboyev, UzA