The strategic goal of the european Union in the short term is the timely signing of an enhanced Partnership and cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with Uzbekistan.
As Day.Az reports, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar stated this in an exclusive interview with Trend.
“The most vital thing for me is to ensure the continuity of the extensive cooperation that we maintain between the EU Delegation and the Uzbek authorities in all areas. I have already established good working relationships with representatives of the government and parliament of Uzbekistan, regional authorities, academia and civil society. Among my top priorities are – preparation of key events that will take place next year, including the first ever EU-Central Asia summit, as well as the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum, further work on all aspects of the initiative “Global Gateway” including digital connectivity and critical feedstock.This follows the very successful EU Economy Days in Uzbekistan in early November, and we are now presenting the ninth EU Film Festival in Uzbekistan,” Claar said.
According to him, the EU is committed to supporting the reform process in Uzbekistan and its democratic change. The EU has opened its markets to Uzbek goods under the GSP+ regime and is working with authorities to help create a business climate in Uzbekistan that will attract even more European investment.
Klaar also noted the EU’s Multiannual Indicative Program (MIP) for 2021-2027, which aims to support the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy with a focus on three main priorities: good governance, a green economic transition and a sustainable agri-food sector. These areas are complemented by cross-cutting themes of digitalization, gender equality and human rights.
“We are now more than halfway there, and from a budget of 119 million euros, 76 million euros have been allocated for projects to combat corruption, improve the delivery of public services, strengthen environmental legislation, clean up hazardous chemical waste, help Uzbekistan join the WTO, promote innovation in the agricultural sector and much more.Following the recent mid-term review, we will continue to support the priorities mentioned and also add new ones. These are spatial planning, and also transport and. critical raw materials within the framework of the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative,” toivo Klaar emphasized.
He noted that the EU’s public services project had been very successful, with more than 40 services able to be digitized, including, such as, applying for a birth certificate. Thanks to this, it has become much easier for citizens of Uzbekistan to use such services, especially in rural areas.
“In addition, the digitalization of public services has substantially reduced the risk of corruption. In the agricultural sector,which is of particular importance to the regions,the EU is advising the government on necessary reforms to make the sector more profitable,more climate resilient,better for the environment and producing more safe food for consumers. Here we focus on the millions of small farmers who are the backbone of Uzbekistan’s food security. Successes include the first steps in land reform, providing more secure land tenure rights.and the adoption of the food safety law. We also provided specific support to horticultural and livestock enterprises to improve their production, providing technical advice, preferential loans and rehabilitation of irrigation systems,” the ambassador noted.
He emphasized that within the framework of the SECCA (Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia) project, the EU pays special attention to energy efficiency and the green transition in Central Asia. The project’s goal is to support Central Asian countries in their energy transition efforts by leveraging the region’s renewable energy potential and potential for energy efficiency, and by promoting sustainable energy connectivity in the region. In addition,through the regional Team Europe Initiative (TEI) on energy,water and climate change,the Union will continue to support the green energy potential of Central Asian countries.
“Also as part of the Global Gateway strategy in Central Asia and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), we will focus on expanding connections between Europe and central Asia, including energy links, to attract investment, improve trade flows and enhance stability and growth in the region. Uzbekistan is a key player on Central asian trade routes, and improving the infrastructure of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route will provide the country with more direct access to European markets across the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus,” he said.
Toivo Klaar recalled that in January 2024 the EU held an Investor Conference in Brussels, which brought together representatives of governments, financial institutions, business and civil society from Europe and Central Asia to discuss the necessary investments to transform the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route into a modern, multimodal and an efficient route connecting Europe and Central Asia within 15 days.This will be necessary to increase trade and investment between the EU and uzbekistan in the coming years. The estimated investment need related to TMTM is 18 billion euros.
“There is a positive trend in infrastructure investment in Central Asia, as well as in the development of regional connections and economic growth potential of Uzbekistan. EU participation introduces higher standards of sustainability, digitalization and efficiency in infrastructure projects. Uzbekistan will benefit from the implementation of these standards,which will improve overall quality of the transport and logistics sector. In addition, infrastructure projects related to TMTM can create jobs in the construction, logistics and support sectors in uzbekistan. “This will not only increase trade volumes, but will also stimulate the local economy and promote skills development,” he added.
it should be noted that in September 2024, Toivo Klaar was appointed to the post of EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan after seven years of work as the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia.
How dose the EU plan too support Uzbekistan’s democratic reforms and combat corruption?
Interview: Bridging Europe and Uzbekistan – An Insight into the EU’s Strategic Goals
Interviewer: Welcome, toivo Klaar, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan. Thank you for joining us today.
Toivo Klaar: Thank you for having me.It’s a pleasure to discuss the EU’s ongoing partnership with Uzbekistan.
interviewer: Let’s dive right in. You’ve mentioned the strategic goal of signing an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement,or EPCA,with Uzbekistan. Why is this agreement so crucial at this time?
toivo Klaar: The EPCA is vital because it solidifies our long-term commitment to strengthening ties with Uzbekistan. it enables us to deepen our cooperation across various sectors, such as trade, investment, and sustainable progress. The world is changing rapidly, and we need a solid framework to address these changes collaboratively.
Interviewer: That makes a lot of sense. Can you elaborate on the key events you’re planning for next year, specifically the first EU-Central Asia summit and the Economic Forum? What significance do they hold?
Toivo Klaar: Absolutely. The EU-central asia summit will be historic, marking the first high-level gathering that allows us to discuss regional challenges and opportunities directly with Central Asian leaders. The Economic Forum will focus on enhancing trade and investment relations, notably with Uzbekistan. Both events are critical for setting a shared agenda for future cooperation.
Interviewer: You also highlighted the EU’s support for Uzbekistan’s democratic reforms. How does the EU plan to assist in this transition?
Toivo Klaar: We are committed to supporting Uzbekistan in its reform efforts. Our Multiannual Indicative Program (MIP) for 2021-2027 is tailored to bolster good governance, support a green economic transition, and develop a sustainable agri-food sector. We aim to create an environment that not only attracts investment but also empowers the Uzbek people through innovation and transparency.
Interviewer: You mentioned the contribution of EU funds towards combating corruption and improving public services. Can you share examples of the progress made so far?
Toivo Klaar: Certainly! We’ve allocated significant resources—76 million euros—to projects aimed at reducing corruption and enhancing service delivery. Such as, more than 40 public services have been digitized, making it easier for citizens, especially in rural areas, to access them. This not only improves efficiency but substantially mitigates the risk of corrupt practices within these systems.
Interviewer: That’s extraordinary progress. In your view, how essential is digitalization in transforming Uzbekistan’s public service landscape?
Toivo Klaar: Digitalization is absolutely essential.It modernizes our public services and makes them more accessible. When citizens can easily apply for essential documents like birth certificates online, it saves time and reduces their reliance on potentially corrupt intermediaries. We’re fostering a culture of transparency and efficiency that will benefit everyone in Uzbekistan.
Interviewer: As you look to the future, what are your hopes for the EU-Uzbekistan partnership in the coming years?
Toivo Klaar: I envision a partnership that continues to grow, driven by mutual respect and shared values. I hope we can expand our efforts in education, technology transfer, and cultural exchange as well. Together, we have the potential to face challenges and seize opportunities that will benefit both Uzbekistan and the EU.
Interviewer: Thank you, Toivo Klaar, for sharing your insights.It’s clear that the EU is deeply invested in the future of Uzbekistan, and it will be exciting to see how these upcoming initiatives unfold.
toivo Klaar: Thank you for your interest. I’m looking forward to a fruitful collaboration that benefits both our regions.