Uzbekistan, Italy expand regional cooperation amid 25% trade increase
Uzbekistan and Italy Enhance Regional Collaboration Following 25% Trade Growth
During discussions in Tashkent on July 14, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Tuscany Governor Eugenio Giani reached an agreement to develop and implement a joint roadmap for new regional cooperation initiatives. This meeting marked a continuation of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Italy, which spans trade, investment, education, and culture.
The dialogue centered on bolstering the strategic ties between Uzbekistan and Italy, particularly through enhanced regional collaboration. Both parties acknowledged the increasing momentum of bilateral discussions at various levels, noting that trade between the two nations has surged by 25% since the start of 2026.
Italian firms are actively engaged in projects across several sectors in Uzbekistan, including metallurgy, energy, agriculture, and chemicals. Mirziyoyev emphasized the long-standing historical connections between Uzbekistan and Tuscany, recalling that Florence engaged in significant trade with Uzbekistan's ancient cities during the Silk Road period, and that Florentine merchants and diplomats were once welcomed at the court of Amir Timur.
The president also pointed out the growth in educational and cultural partnerships. The University of Pisa's branch in Tashkent is set to graduate its inaugural class this year, and an Uzbek textile trade house is operating in Prato. Additionally, Florence's Uffizi Gallery is scheduled to host an exhibition showcasing Uzbekistan's avant-garde art in 2024.
The parties recognized the substantial potential for collaboration in various fields, including textiles, leather and footwear production, food processing, jewelry manufacturing, construction, education, culture, and tourism. They also commended the strengthening partnership between Tuscany and Uzbekistan's Bukhara region, which recently formalized a bilateral cooperation agreement.
At the end of their discussions, the two sides agreed to create a joint roadmap that will outline new projects and initiatives aimed at further enhancing cooperation between the regions of Tuscany and Uzbekistan. Earlier this year, bilateral trade between the two countries saw a 25% increase, while Italian companies have expanded their investment initiatives in critical sectors such as metallurgy, energy, and agriculture.