Uzbekistan and Singapore: prospects for mutually beneficial partnership

The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore, experts of the leading analytical and research structures of this country.

Among them are the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, the National University of Singapore, the Middle East Institute (MEI), the Singapore Cooperation Center for Central and Southeast Asia and International Partners (SCE), etc.

At the round table, the Uzbek side was represented by experts from MICA, the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his opening speech , Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Singapore K.Shakirov gave a high assessment of the state and prospects of bilateral Uzbek-Singaporean cooperation.

It was emphasized that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1997, the countries have created a strong political and economic partnership. Thanks to the established trusting relations, the dynamics of interaction in all directions is steadily growing.

Regular dialogue at the highest and highest levels, active economic cooperation and investment activities, rich cultural and humanitarian cooperation have become important components of close ties between the parties.

The Director of the CERR, Obid Khakimov, noted the consistent strengthening and expansion of Uzbek-Singapore cooperation.

It was emphasized that the current dynamics has a positive impact on the deepening of political, diplomatic, trade, economic, educational, cultural and humanitarian ties. There are successful examples of partnership in the field of textiles, chemistry, transport, education, etc.

It was noted that the large-scale reforms implemented in Uzbekistan create additional conditions for building mutually beneficial Uzbek-Singaporean cooperation in all areas.

Deputy Director of the International Institute of Central Asia Batir Tursunov pointed out that Singapore and Uzbekistan have a huge untapped potential for building partnership in almost all areas.

It was emphasized that the current dynamics of Uzbek-Singaporean relations creates additional conditions for further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation not only between the two countries, but also the countries of Central Asia, which consistently strengthen their relations.

In general, the participants were informed in detail about the Development Strategy of the New Uzbekistan, the priorities and achievements of the regional policy of the state, the promotion of the initiatives of the country's Leader on the interconnectedness of Central and South Asia.

Representatives of Singapore's expert circles assessed the state and prospects of bilateral relations

Chairman of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Ong Keng Yong noted that Singapore fully supports large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan aimed at increasing the openness and transparency of the economy.

It was emphasized that, thanks to the new course of Uzbekistan, implemented under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, favorable conditions have been created for building up Uzbek-Singaporean relations.

He expressed confidence that regular meetings and negotiations at the highest and high levels, as well as between ministries and departments, will comprehensively deepen and expand relations between the two countries, promote cooperation between Central Asian countries and Southeast Asian states.

According to him, Uzbekistan and Singapore have a huge potential for strengthening cooperation and developing interaction between the regions of Central and Southeast Asia.

In turn, Denise Pereira Carrie-Ann, Director of the Emerging Markets Department of the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore, noted the significant place and role of Uzbekistan in Central Asia.

It was emphasized that the openness of the country and the ongoing political and economic reforms have a positive impact on the development of business between entrepreneurs of the two countries, contribute to strengthening mutual trust, establishing mutually beneficial cooperation.

According to her, Singapore has invested over $350 million in Uzbekistan in recent years. This, on a global scale, is not a large amount. But most importantly, this amount continues to grow, thanks to the reforms of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The expert noted that tourism is a promising area of cooperation between the two countries, thanks to the huge potential in this area. Uzbekistan can also become a major supplier of fantastic dried fruits and fresh fruits, which would be in great demand in Singapore.

Singapore could also become a leading partner in logistics and digitalization. There are great opportunities to involve leading private sector companies in these areas.

A similar assessment was given by a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Raffaello Pantucci, who noted that Uzbekistan, as well as Singapore in Southeast Asia, is the locomotive of the entire Central Asia.

It was noted that the countries have a large unrealized potential, which requires a lot of work on both sides.

Within the framework of the discussions, the participants of the round table analyzed in detail the state and prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Singapore, identified priority areas requiring development and consistent expansion, made proposals that would contribute to further strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, including between the countries of Central Asia and Southeast Asia.

The participants noted the relevance of the exchange of views and agreed to continue close contacts in a similar format. The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies was founded in 2007 and is one of the world's leading analytical centers dealing with international relations. RSIS research is regularly published in reputable publications, leading journals and on online platforms.