Uzbekistan-Italy relations spotlighted in leading Italian newspaper

On April 3, Italy's renowned newspaper La Repubblica featured an article on Uzbekistan. The piece covered the economic, cultural, and educational ties between Uzbekistan and Italy, Uzbekistan's regional significance, and the “Central Asia – European Union” summit, which started today in Samarkand.

Strengthening Relations: A New Era of Partnership
The article emphasized that Uzbekistan and Italy represent a remarkable example of international cooperation, deepening economic, cultural, and humanitarian connections. This strategic partnership contributes not only to bilateral relations but also to regional integration and economic growth.

The “Central Asia – EU” summit in Samarkand highlights Europe’s geopolitical interest in strengthening cooperation with the region, with particular attention to Uzbekistan’s stable growth potential.

Economic Highlights
Trade Growth: By the end of 2023, trade turnover between Italy and Uzbekistan exceeded $1.381 billion, showing a $157.5 million increase compared to the previous year.

Joint Ventures: Uzbekistan hosts 54 joint ventures with Italian investments, including 35 fully Italian-owned enterprises in sectors like beverages, perfumes, textiles, and cotton processing.

Saffron Production: A major collaboration in Jizzakh between BMB Trade Group (Uzbekistan) and FIN s.r.l. (Italy) focuses on saffron cultivation and essential oil production, with a €40 million investment.

Cultural and Educational Cooperation
Events organized after visits by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella have strengthened cultural and academic ties. New agreements have been signed, expanding student exchanges and joint initiatives.

Italy hosted the presentation of the first Italian translation of Baburnama at Florence’s Strozzzi Palace and the National Museum of Oriental Art. The publication includes a foreword by Mirziyoyev and commemorates Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur’s legacy.

Uzbek scholars visited the Vatican’s Apostolic Library, one of the world’s oldest manuscript collections.

Regional Importance
Uzbekistan and Italy play crucial roles in developing EU-Central Asia dialogue, promoting joint projects in agriculture, industry, and environmental sectors. Efforts are also underway to involve Italian entrepreneurs in developing the Trans-Caspian transport corridor and exporting Uzbek goods to Europe.

Tourism and Cultural Prospects
Both nations' rich historical and cultural heritage offer great tourism opportunities, with Uzbekistan increasingly attracting foreign travelers to its lesser-known but unique monuments along the Silk Road.

Bright Future
The “Central Asia – EU” summit promises a new era of cooperation, strengthening ties with Europe, boosting trade and investment, and enhancing security partnerships. As Uzbekistan and Italy continue their collaboration, they bring long-term benefits to the region.