ROME, March 31. /Dunyo IA/. “Italy – Central Asia” Business Forum, featuring Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, has become a key step in Italy’s strategy to establish a long-term presence in the region, reports a Dunyo IA correspondent, citing the Italian publication “Decode39”.

Forum was attended by over 70 companies, including 25 with a turnover exceeding 25 million euros, as well as industry associations, universities and research centers. Special attention was paid to agriculture, “smart” irrigation systems and precision farming technologies areas vital for the region's food security and climate resilience.

The forum covered not only Uzbekistan but the entire Central Asian region - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan - as well as Azerbaijan, confirming Italy's ambition to become a systemic partner for the region.

As part of the mission, a new initiative was presented: the creation of the Eurasian Alliance of Agricultural Universities for Climate Resilience and Food Security. This initiative will facilitate the training of specialists according to Italian standards and the implementation of modern technologies.

Economic results are also impressive: Italy's exports to Uzbekistan for January–November 2025 grew by 30.7%, particularly in mechanical engineering (+74%) and the furniture industry. The forum confirmed the practical implementation of Italy's ambitions and strengthened its position as a key economic and educational partner for Central Asia.