Uzbekistan, Italy step up efforts to expand trade, investment ties PHOTO

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with an Italian delegation led by Tuscany Governor Eugenio Giani on July 14 during the latter’s working visit to Uzbekistan, where the sides discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation, according to the Uzbek president’s press service.

The talks focused on the further development of the Uzbek-Italian strategic partnership, with particular attention given to trade, economic and investment ties, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and the expansion of interregional relations.

The parties noted that bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Italy has increased by 25% since the beginning of the year. Joint projects involving leading Italian companies are currently being implemented in Uzbekistan in sectors including metallurgy, energy, agriculture, and the chemical industry.

The meeting also highlighted the historical links between Uzbekistan and Tuscany. The sides discussed prospects for cooperation in the textile, leather, food-processing, and jewellery industries, as well as in construction, education, culture, and tourism.

Following the talks, the parties agreed to prepare a joint roadmap outlining new projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation between Tuscany and the regions of Uzbekistan.

By Jeyhun Aghazada