An online forum titled “Forum of Think Tanks of Central Asia and Germany: Current State and Prospects for Cooperation” was held at the International Institute for Central Asian Studies (IICAS).
Abdurashid Bozorov, Head of Department at the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), delivered a presentation at the event. The expert noted that in recent years relations between Uzbekistan and Germany have demonstrated steady positive momentum, characterized by intensified political dialogue, expanded trade and economic cooperation, as well as strengthened humanitarian and educational ties.
It was highlighted that Germany currently ranks among Uzbekistan’s key foreign economic partners, holding 7th place in terms of trade turnover. In 2025, bilateral trade reached $1.4 bn, increasing 2.3-fold compared to 2017, while Uzbekistan’s exports grew nearly 4.5 times. Imports are primarily composed of high-tech industrial goods, machinery, chemical products, and vehicles contributing to the modernization of national industry.
He informed participants that investment cooperation has also been consistently expanding. As of January 2026, 225 enterprises with German capital operate in Uzbekistan. In 2024 alone, German investments and loans totaled $1.37 bn, with major funding directed to industry, energy, mining, and ICT. Particular attention is also being given to social projects, including healthcare financing.
The expert emphasized that the Joint Declaration adopted following the Berlin Summit for 2024–2030 establishes a long-term institutional cooperation agenda covering green energy, the climate agenda, transport and logistics infrastructure development, and the expansion of humanitarian exchanges.
Among the promising areas of cooperation highlighted were increasing exports of Uzbek products to the German market, modernization of the textile industry through German technologies, development of cooperation in the leather and footwear sector, establishment of medical and pharmaceutical clusters, as well as localization of production in Pharma Park.
A separate focus was placed on green economy projects, including solar panel recycling, hydrogen energy development, and processing of critical raw materials.
Opportunities for partnership in urban mobility were also outlined, including modernization of Tashkent’s public transport system and the introduction of engineering and digital solutions with the participation of German companies.
In conclusion, the expert noted that a solid foundation for Uzbek-German cooperation has already been formed, and the next objective is to deepen cooperation through production localization, development of value chains, and expansion of investment and technological partnership — opening new horizons for sustainable economic growth.
CERR Public Relations Department
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