The cooperation between the EU and Central Asia has increased substantially in political importance, potential and ambition. Both sides share a strong commitment to intensify cooperation within Central Asia and between Europe and Central Asia in many strategic sectors: strengthening energy security through the development of alternative energy supply routes, enhancing sustainable and secure digitalisation including digital sovereignty, improving transport connections, and transitioning to a green, sustainable, climate-neutral economy that creates jobs for people. Increased sustainable connectivity supports our shared goal of a prosperous and secure Central Asia.
The launch of the EU Global Gateway in December 2021 underscores the commitment by the EU and its Member States to boost smart, clean, and secure links in digital, energy and transport, and to strengthen health, education, and research systems across the world. It is in this spirit that the EU will continue supporting Central Asia’s transition towards sustainable, socially resilient and climate neutral growth. The two Team Europe Initiatives and Global Gateway Flagships on Water, Energy and Climate Change, and Digital Connectivity launched at the EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference in Samarkand have the potential to contribute to Central Asia’s sustainable economic and human development and its resilience against climate change-induced threats. They demonstrate the EU’s intention to work with Central Asia to achieve the mutually shared objective of sustainable and rules-based connectivity.
The Economic Forum, the regional platform for economic dialogue between the EU and Central Asian partners, builds on the EU Strategy on Central Asia and was first launched in December 2020. It aims at strengthening EU-Central Asia economic relations, supporting the region in accelerating inclusive and sustainable development by further diversifying Central Asian economies, boosting intra- and interregional trade, reinforcing the rule of law and modernising regulatory frameworks.
Central Asia offers massive business and investment opportunities. This is why this Forum will also host a business event on 18 May aimed at exchanging views with private sector representatives and facilitating business contacts between the EU and Central Asia. It is our joint interest to unlock the potential of this region by accelerating indispensable structural reforms, building an attractive business environment and safe investment climate, and integrating the region in a wider global economy, especially in view of current global/geopolitical challenges.
