Uzbekistan Railways to join Serbian railway infrastructure projects

Uzbekistan Railways to take part in Serbian railway infrastructure projects

Uzbekistan has reached an agreement with Serbia to involve the state-owned Uzbekistan Railways in railway infrastructure projects, with the two sides now negotiating two projects and routes, Investment, Industry and Trade Minister Laziz Kudratov said. He added that the cooperation could open the door for Uzbek construction companies to enter the European market.

Kudratov said the transport ministries of Uzbekistan and Serbia are currently discussing two railway projects and routes. One of the projects previously under consideration includes Uzbekistan’s participation in the modernization of Serbia’s railway network, including the construction of a 200-km section.

He called the project a significant chance for Uzbek construction companies to enter the European market and gain experience in carrying out infrastructure projects in Europe. According to him, it could also lay the groundwork for Uzbek firms to join similar construction projects in other European countries.

The railway talks came after a set of transport agreements exchanged between Uzbekistan and Serbia on September 8. Serbia’s Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijevic and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport Ilhom Makhkamov exchanged an agreement on international road transportation of passengers and cargo.

The two sides also signed a memorandum on cooperation to support the Middle Corridor and a protocol on cooperation in railway infrastructure. First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways Hikmatulla Rakhmetov also took part in the transport negotiations.

The railway cooperation is part of a wider strengthening of Uzbekistan–Serbia ties following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Belgrade. The two countries have established strategic partnership relations and are aiming to broaden cooperation in transport, logistics and other sectors.