The third European Union–Central Asia Economic Forum, held on 26 November in Tashkent, marked a major milestone in the deepening partnership between the European Union and the five Central Asian nations. Bringing together senior government officials, EU representatives, financial institutions, and more than 400 participants from 32 countries, the event highlighted the region’s growing geopolitical importance, expanding economic potential, and shared ambitions in connectivity, sustainable development, and green transition.

The forum gathered high-level speakers including Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Xodjayev, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Galymzhan Koishybayev, Tajikistan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Hokim Kholiqzoda, Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobayev, and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy Babanyaz Yalakov. The discussions centred on trade, investment, critical raw materials, digitalization, regional infrastructure, and climate resilience.

The event also included a bilateral document exchange ceremony and a visit to the Center of Islamic Civilization, reflecting both the cultural and developmental dimensions of the EU–Central Asia partnership.

In his opening remarks, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Xodjayev emphasized that the forum has grown into a “broad and practical platform” where shared challenges are addressed through........

© Eurasia Review