ZAGREB, May 2. /Dunyo IA/. The leading Croatian daily, “Jutarnji list”, has published an article titled “Cooperation with Tashkent: Croatia can discover a new market with 38 million consumers. Projects worth billions of dollars are at stake”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The article notes that Uzbekistan aims to forge a new economic and cultural alliance with Zagreb. The country invites Croatian companies and capital to participate in its transformation, offering mutually beneficial cooperation."

It is emphasized that Uzbekistan has become an unexpected focal point of Central Asia’s economic history. The country’s population already exceeds 38 million and increases by approximately 700,000–750,000 annually. This makes the nation simultaneously the region’s largest consumer market and a rapidly growing labour resource.

Particular attention is paid to Uzbekistan’s geographical location, which grants Croatian companies access to the Trans-Caspian route and the developing Trans-Afghan corridor. In return, Croatia’s Adriatic position provides Uzbek exporters with a port gateway to Southern Europe.

“Uzbekistan has transformed from a raw-material economy into a diversified, fast-growing market. Due to its strategic position between China, Russia, Europe, and the Middle East, the country is becoming the economic engine of Central Asia and a vital partner for European nations”, - publication writes.

In conclusion, it is noted that Croatia, leveraging its EU membership and logistical capabilities, occupies a unique position for a strategic partnership with Tashkent. Uzbekistan seeks a new economic and cultural alliance with Zagreb. The country possesses a reformist agenda, high growth, diversification, and political will. It invites Croatian companies and capital to participate in its transformation on a mutually beneficial basis.