ROME, January 17. /Dunyo IA/.  An official presentation showcasing Uzbekistan’s investment potential, titled “Country Presentation: Uzbekistan” was held at the “The Sala del Refettorio” (Refectory Hall) of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of Italy, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event was organised at the initiative of the Italian-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce, with the support of Unioncamere – the Italian Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Handicrafts and Agriculture as well as  Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Rome. Held in a hybrid format, the conference brought together more than 100 participants, including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, government institutions, business and expert communities as well as members of the media.

Discussions focused on Uzbekistan’s investment potential, the wide-ranging economic reforms under way in the country and the success stories of Italian companies already operating in the Uzbek market. Particular attention was also given to prospects for expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, reflecting the growing interest among Italian stakeholders in deepening long-term, mutually beneficial engagement with Uzbekistan.

The conference opened with keynote addresses by the Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan (via video link) and Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of Italy, alongside Abat Fayzullayev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Italy and Guido de Sanctis, Ambassador of Italy to Uzbekistan.

In his remarks, Italian Agriculture Minister highlighted the high level of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Italy across the agricultural, economic and educational sectors. He noted that he has visited Uzbekistan on several occasions and together with his Uzbek counterpart, has achieved a number of tangible and positive outcomes, particularly through the implementation of successful joint projects.

Continuing his address, Italian Minister announced that he would travel to Tashkent to take part in the International Forum of Ministers of Agriculture in the “Italy - Central Asia - Azerbaijan” format, scheduled for 23-24 March.

In his remarks, Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov provided a detailed overview of the economic and institutional reforms underway in Uzbekistan, with particular emphasis on systemic transformations in the agricultural sector. He highlighted the tangible progress achieved in recent years and the steady strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Italy.

For his part, Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Abat Fayzullayev briefed participants on the country’s investment potential, underscoring the broad opportunities available to foreign entrepreneurs. He outlined prospects for joint projects across a range of sectors and highlighted the incentives and preferential conditions offered to international investors, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s message as an open and reliable partner for long-term cooperation.

Addressing the conference, Giorgio Veronesi, President of the Italy-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, noted that Uzbekistan has emerged as an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investors, driven by wide-ranging reforms and a policy of sustained economic stability. He underlined the country’s strong domestic resources and human capital as well as its strategic shift from a raw-materials-based model towards the production of high value-added goods.

The presentation also featured contributions from senior executives of Italy’s state-backed financial institutions - Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), SIMEST and SACE - who outlined financing mechanisms for ongoing and planned projects in Uzbekistan and detailed support instruments available to Italian companies seeking to enter or expand in the Uzbek market.

Giovanni Rossi, Director General of the international cooperation agency Promos Italia, stated that, according to “Financial Times” assessments, Uzbekistan ranks among the world’s most dynamically developing economies. He described the country as a strategic “gateway” to Central Asia, providing access to a regional market of approximately 75 million consumers. In this context, he also announced plans for business missions by representatives of the Lombardy business community to Samarkand in 2026.

At the conclusion of the event, participants expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the meeting, noting a marked increase in interest in Uzbekistan. They emphasised that the conference provided comprehensive and practical insights into the country’s favourable business climate and the broad opportunities available for mutually beneficial cooperation.