Rumen Radev: Improving Connectivity with the Central Asian Region Is of Key Importance for the European Union
2025-06-10 18:21:00
The Head of State takes part in the Fourth Edition of the Tashkent International Investment Forum in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and the countries of the Central Asian region are of serious interest to Bulgaria and the EU, and it is our duty to work together to remove all barriers that create problems for the development of our cooperation. This was stated by President Rumen Radev at the opening of the Tashkent International Investment Forum. The event will last until June 12 and annually attracts leaders of major financial and economic organisations to display the investment opportunities that Uzbekistan presents in various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, mining and the digital economy. This year, more than 3,000 people from over 75 countries are participating in the forum.
The Bulgarian head of state identified insufficient connectivity as the main deterrent factor for deepening economic cooperation between Europe and the countries of the Central Asian region, and in his words, its improvement is of key importance for the entire European Union. The EU is in first place in terms of investments in Uzbekistan and Central Asia and is in second place as a trading partner of the countries of the region, Rumen Radev emphasised. In this regard, the president highlighted the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route for improving energy, transport and digital connectivity. Bulgaria is part of this corridor through its modernised Black Sea ports and the second busiest land border for the transport of goods in the world – that between Bulgaria and Turkiye, Rumen Radev also pointed out.
The President highlighted the growing investment interest of Bulgarian businesses in Uzbekistan in the energy, pharmaceutical and food industries. However, we see that this is not enough and more needs to be done. We welcome Uzbekistan’s ambition to develop nuclear energy, and our country has 50 years of experience in the safe and efficient exploitation of nuclear power and can share its experience and expertise, he added. Whoever holds the key to cheap electricity storage technologies holds the future, Radev also pointed out, stressing Bulgaria’s experience in modernising its energy network and developing modern technologies in energy.
The development of artificial intelligence, green and space technologies, as well as innovations, are other promising fields for cooperation with Uzbekistan, in which Bulgaria can share valuable expertise, the head of state also noted. Rumen Radev gave as an example the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) and the experience of Bulgarian technology companies in the field of mini and microsatellite production.
"This is my ninth year as president. For the first time during a visit abroad, I received as a gift today from President Mirziyoyev a book describing Bulgarian economic opportunities with names, industrial sectors, technologies. We will do everything possible to connect our businesses and institutions and look ahead, added the Bulgarian head of state, who earlier in the day held a high-level meeting with the President of Uzbekistan. The two signed a joint declaration on strengthening cooperation between Bulgaria and Uzbekistan, which emphasizes the determination of the two countries to strengthen political dialogue and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, connectivity, culture and educational exchange.
Later today, the President held a meeting with the Chairman of the Senate of the Supreme Assembly of Uzbekistan Tanzila Norbayeva, and tomorrow Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov will participate in the closing of the Uzbek-Bulgarian business forum, dedicated to the opportunities for implementing joint projects.
