German Economic Development Executive Emphasizes Importance of Tashkent International Investment Forum
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: Urs Unkauf, the executive director of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, has underscored the significance of the upcoming third Tashkent International Investment Forum during an exclusive interview with Dunyo. Scheduled for May 2-3, the forum holds immense importance for fostering economic ties, particularly in the Central Asian region, and is poised to facilitate substantial dialogue and cooperation between international partners.
Unkauf highlighted the longstanding support of his association for over two decades in fostering economic relations with Central Asian countries, particularly Uzbekistan. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan’s economy has witnessed remarkable growth, marked by numerous joint initiatives between the government and private sector entities.
International investment forums like the one in Tashkent serve as vital platforms to consolidate global partners, showcase potential avenues for economic collaboration, and identify specific projects across various sectors. In an era fraught with conflicts and crises, such forums take on added significance, acting as bridges for inter-country communication and cooperation.
Given the geostrategic importance of Central Asia, Unkauf stressed the pivotal role of the Tashkent International Investment Forum in fostering regional economic integration and development. He emphasized Uzbekistan’s position as a key player in the region, with its burgeoning population and rapidly advancing economy, making it an attractive prospect for German companies seeking new markets and strategic partnerships.
Unkauf noted the steady growth of trade relations between Germany and Uzbekistan, emphasizing that German companies view Uzbekistan not merely as a temporary economic partner but as a stable, long-term collaborator. The country’s favorable business environment and strategic geographical location further enhance its appeal as a gateway to broader regional cooperation and market access.
The executive director highlighted the significance of regional cooperation, citing recent high-level summits such as the “Central Asia-Germany” summit held in Berlin as testament to the growing momentum in bilateral relations. He commended Uzbekistan’s resilience in maintaining positive economic growth despite global challenges, expressing optimism for expanded cooperation post-pandemic.
Unkauf also lauded Uzbekistan’s ongoing infrastructural development and investment-friendly policies, which have spurred growth across various sectors, including textiles, agriculture, and information technology. He emphasized the potential for collaboration in emerging fields such as healthcare and digitization, citing recent successful forums and conferences as examples of growing bilateral engagement.
Looking ahead, Unkauf affirmed his association’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial economic cooperation and expressed confidence in the third Tashkent International Investment Forum as a catalyst for furthering promising avenues of collaboration between Germany and Uzbekistan. He reiterated the importance of ongoing dialogue and partnership in exploring new opportunities and driving sustainable growth between the two nations.
