BERLIN, October 26. /Dunyo IA/. Falk Porsche, CEO of Falk-Porsche-Technik GmbH and Chairman of the German–Uzbekistan Business Council, shared his insights with Dunyo News Agency on the outcomes of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Brussels and the significance of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement recently signed between Uzbekistan and the European Union:



– The signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Belgium marks a qualitative advancement in bilateral relations between the European Union and Uzbekistan.

The agreement is aimed at further deepening and expanding sustained cooperation, encompassing key areas such as foreign and security policy, justice, data protection, migration, and counter-terrorism.

 For German entrepreneurs, the most significant aspect of the agreement is its inclusion of key sectors such as trade and economy, energy, transport, environmental protection, and agriculture. The signing of this agreement reflects the culmination of over 20 years of sustained and fruitful cooperation between Central Asia—particularly Uzbekistan—and Europe.

Moreover, the agreement forms part of the EU’s Central Asia Strategy under the "Global Gateway" initiative, which aims to strengthen cooperation with Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, with an investment package of €12 billion. This represents a major step forward in Uzbekistan’s economic integration with Europe and facilitates access to European markets under the "GPS+ program".

 In 2023–2024, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the European Union grew by 8 percent, reaching €6.4 billion. Compared to previous years, this represents a significant achievement and a substantial result. European entrepreneurs express their special gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as it is thanks to the positive environment he has fostered that such successful cooperation with Germany and Europe has been established. An 8 percent growth is indeed a remarkable outcome.

As for the agreement’s significance for Germany, speaking as an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in Uzbekistan, I can say that the document facilitates trade and investment, creates a mutually beneficial investment climate, and provides a modern legal framework that enables better market conditions. It also opens the door for more German and European companies to operate successfully in Uzbekistan.

The results of two decades of sustained effort are now bearing fruit. We express our sincere gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for creating favorable conditions for foreign entrepreneurs.

Germany has closely supported Uzbekistan’s economic reforms, contributing €176 million in 2024–2025 alone. This commitment demonstrates Germany’s readiness to back ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan and reflects our confidence in Central Asia, and particularly in Uzbekistan. We are, of course, pleased to continue and further strengthen this partnership.