Middle Corridor in focus as EU delegation begins three-day visit to Uzbekistan

European Commissioners Jozef Sikela and Marta Kos began an official visit to Uzbekistan on November 25, which will continue through November 27, with discussions focused on advancing the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (Middle Corridor) — a key component of the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy in Central Asia.

The commissioners will participate in the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Transport Connectivity Development Investors’ Forum, scheduled for November 27 in Tashkent, as per Uzbek media.

Commissioner Sikela is also set to address the 3rd EU–Central Asia Economic Forum on November 26. Both events are being organised jointly by the Government of Uzbekistan and the European Union and will gather representatives from government institutions, international organisations, private companies, and investment groups.

Sikela highlighted the momentum in EU–Central Asia cooperation, stating: “The partnership between Central Asia and the EU is now stronger than ever. Two high-level forums bring together public and private investors from both regions to turn our commitments into concrete results: economic growth, job creation, improved access to services, and greater stability.”

Commissioner Kos underlined the strategic significance of the Middle Corridor: “It is a bridge between continents, economies, and people. The Investor Forum in Tashkent translates our connectivity agenda into concrete action through coordinated and prioritised investments, ensuring sustainable prosperity and stability.”

The forum’s agenda includes thematic sessions on transport and logistics, regulatory harmonisation, infrastructure financing, and the digitalisation of the corridor. Participants will assess progress made since the first EU–Central Asia Transport Connectivity Forum held in Brussels in January 2024, as well as the results of the interregional ministerial meeting in Luxembourg on October 20.

The EU–Central Asia Economic Forum aims to deepen economic cooperation, promote sustainable development, and support the expansion of public–private partnerships. Special focus will be placed on investment opportunities, critical raw materials supply chains, and improving long-term economic resilience across the region.

Throughout their visit, Sikela and Kos are expected to sign several bilateral and regional agreements and hold meetings with senior officials of the Uzbek government.

By Tamilla Hasanova