Uzbek-Belgian Relations: Trust, Pragmatism, and Prospects for a New Stage of Partnership
Over the past eight years, Uzbek-Belgian cooperation has received significant impetus, mutual trust has strengthened, and areas of practical interaction have expanded. Regular exchanges of messages between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and King Philippe of the Belgians serve as evidence of mutual respect and a desire to strengthen friendly ties. Interregional Cooperation and Humanitarian Ties
Interregional contacts play an important role in the development of Uzbek-Belgian relations. Tashkent maintains sister city ties with Kortrijk, and Samarkand with Liège. Such partnerships open up opportunities for exchanging experiences in urban infrastructure, innovation, ecology, and cultural programs.
A symbol of respect and historical connection, the bust of Abu Ali ibn Sina erected in Kortrijk has become a bridge between the East and Europe. Such cultural and humanitarian projects enhance mutual understanding between peoples and contribute to strengthening Uzbekistan's positive image on the European continent.
Trade and Economic Cooperation: Growing Opportunities and New Directions
Trade Dynamics and Investment Interest
Belgium is one of Uzbekistan's most active economic partners in the European Union. Most-favored-nation status is maintained between the two countries, and trade volumes are showing steady growth—from $70 million in 2020 to $212.7 million in 2024. The structure of bilateral trade remains balanced, reflecting the diversification of supplies and mutual business interests.
Uzbekistan's exports to Belgium include industrial and food products, textiles, chemicals, construction materials, and services. Imports primarily consist of equipment, components, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and precious metals.
Currently, 16 Belgian-owned companies operate in Uzbekistan, including Picanol, Van de Wiele, Gosselin Caucasus & Central Asia, Aatko Carpets, and Intraco. These companies are actively involved in the modernization of textile production, the development of logistics, agriculture, and the food industry. Their activities contribute to the introduction of new technologies, improved product quality, and job creation. Industry Interaction and Technological Partnership
Industrial and technological cooperation is particularly important. Belgian companies are known for their high-quality engineering solutions in mechanical engineering, weaving equipment, chemicals, and processing. The supply of modern Picanol and Van de Wiele weaving machines has become an important element in the modernization of the Uzbek textile cluster, increasing the industry's productivity and export potential.
The green economy is a promising area of cooperation. The Belgian side is interested in participating in projects to improve energy efficiency, waste recycling, and the development of renewable energy sources. Dialogue is underway on the possible integration of Belgian technologies into smart city projects, water treatment, and sustainable agricultural production.
Business Missions and New Cooperation Platforms
In May 2024, a business mission of 17 Belgian companies representing pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing, IT, and eco-technologies was held in Uzbekistan. During the visit, B2B and B2G meetings were held, presentations of the regions' investment potential were presented, and opportunities for localizing joint ventures were discussed.
That same year, the Benelux Chamber of Commerce was opened in Tashkent, bringing together the business communities of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Its activities are aimed at supporting investors, organizing business forums, roadshows, and participating in industry exhibitions. The Chamber has become a new channel of communication between the private sector and government agencies of the two countries.
Regular business contacts are maintained with AWEX, FIT, and Hub.Brussels. The parties are jointly developing projects in the areas of digitalization of production processes, biotechnology, agricultural processing, and logistics.
Investment and Infrastructure Prospects
Uzbekistan views Belgium as an important partner in the implementation of major infrastructure projects. Belgian companies have experience in the construction of industrial and transport facilities, management of ports and warehouse complexes, which is of interest to the Uzbek program of industrialization and modernization of the transport system. Systems.
Priority areas include pharmaceuticals, where Belgian manufacturers possess global expertise; agro-industry, including the implementation of precision farming technologies; and food processing, where joint investments in export-oriented enterprises are possible. Furthermore, potential in financial technology is being discussed, including cooperation with Mastercard Europe PLC, whose representative office is accredited in Tashkent.
The potential for further growth in bilateral trade remains significant. Prospects are linked to expanded access for Uzbek products to the European market under the GSP+ status, as well as the development of transport corridors connecting Central Asia and Europe via the Caspian and Black Seas.
Legal Framework and Prospects
The legal framework of Uzbek-Belgian relations includes 10 interstate and interdepartmental documents regulating key areas of cooperation. Agreements on mutual visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders and on readmission are currently being developed, creating new conditions for strengthening political, business, and humanitarian ties.
Conclusion: A Strategic Partnership in Action
Modern Uzbek-Belgian relations are a sustainable, pragmatic, and mutually beneficial format of interaction based on trust and shared goals. They fit seamlessly with Uzbekistan's strategy to deepen cooperation with the European Union, diversify foreign trade, and implement innovative technologies.
Belgium, as a key center of European diplomacy, logistics, and finance, is an important partner for Uzbekistan in the EU, and Tashkent is becoming a reliable platform for promoting Belgian business in Central Asia.
Growth in business activity, development of green and digital initiatives, and strengthening cultural ties form the foundation for a new stage of strategic partnership—one aimed at achieving concrete results, sustainable growth, and shared prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
