Uzbek-Belgian Relations: Trust, Pragmatism, and Prospects for a New Stage of Partnership
Uzbek-Belgian Relations: Trust, Pragmatism, and Prospects for a New Stage of Partnership
Political Interaction: Stable Partnership and Mutual Respect
Relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Belgium are built on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and constructive dialogue. Belgium recognized Uzbekistan's independence on December 31, 1991, and diplomatic relations were established on March 10, 1992. In 1995, the Embassy of Uzbekistan began its work in Brussels, while the Belgian side coordinates cooperation through its diplomatic mission in Astana.
Over the past eight years, Uzbek-Belgian cooperation has gained significant momentum, with mutual trust strengthening and areas of practical interaction expanding. Regular exchanges of messages between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and King Philippe of the Belgians serve as evidence of mutual respect and a shared desire to strengthen friendly ties.
Interregional Cooperation and Humanitarian Ties
Interregional contacts play an important role in the development of Uzbek-Belgian relations. Tashkent maintains a sister-city relationship with the city of Kortrijk, and Samarkand with Liège. Such partnerships open up opportunities for the exchange of experience in urban infrastructure, innovation, ecology, and cultural programs.
A symbol of respect and historical interconnection is the bust of Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna) installed in Kortrijk, which has become a kind of bridge between the East and Europe. Such cultural and humanitarian projects enhance mutual understanding between the peoples and help strengthen Uzbekistan's positive image on the European continent.
Trade and Economic Cooperation: Growing Opportunities and New Directions
Trade Dynamics and Investment Interest
Belgium is one of Uzbekistan's most active economic partners in the European Union. The countries grant each other most-favored-nation status, and trade volumes have shown steady growth—from $70 million in 2020 to $212.7 million in 2024. The structure of bilateral trade remains balanced, reflecting the diversification of supplies and mutual business interest.
Uzbekistan's exports to Belgium include industrial and food products, textiles, chemical products, construction materials, and services. Imports are primarily comprised of equipment, components, pharmaceutical products, chemicals, and precious metals.
To date, 16 enterprises with Belgian capital are operating in Uzbekistan, including Picanol, Van de Wiele, Gosselin Caucasus & Central Asia, Aatko Carpets, and Intraco. These companies are actively involved in modernizing textile production, developing logistics, agriculture, and the food industry. Their activities contribute to the introduction of new technologies, improved product quality, and job creation.
Sectoral Interaction and Technological Partnership
Industrial and technological cooperation is of particular importance. Belgian companies are renowned for their high-level engineering solutions in mechanical engineering, weaving equipment, chemicals, and processing. Supplies of modern weaving looms from Picanol and Van de Wiele have become a key element in modernizing the Uzbek textile cluster, enhancing the productivity and export potential of the industry.
The green economy is a promising area for cooperation. The Belgian side has shown interest in participating in projects related to energy efficiency, waste processing, and the development of renewable energy sources. Dialogue is ongoing on the potential attraction of Belgian technologies for "smart city" projects, water treatment, and sustainable agricultural production.
Business Missions and New Cooperation Platforms
In May 2024, a business mission of 17 Belgian companies, represented in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing, IT, and eco-technologies, took place in Uzbekistan. During the visit, B2B and B2G meetings were held, featuring presentations on the investment potential of the regions and discussions on opportunities for localizing joint production.
That same year, the Benelux Chamber of Commerce was opened in Tashkent, uniting business circles from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Its activities are aimed at supporting investors, organizing business forums, roadshows, and participation in industry exhibitions. The Chamber has become a new channel for communication between the private sector and government structures of the two countries.
Regular business contacts are maintained with agencies such as AWEX, FIT, and Hub.Brussels. The sides are jointly developing projects in the digitalization of production processes, biotechnology, processing of agricultural raw materials, and logistics.
Investment and Infrastructure Prospects
Uzbekistan views Belgium as an important partner in the implementation of major infrastructure projects. Belgian companies have experience in constructing industrial and transport facilities, managing ports and warehouse complexes, which is of interest to Uzbekistan's industrialization program and transport system modernization.
Among the priority areas are pharmaceuticals, where Belgian manufacturers possess global expertise; the agro-industrial sector, including the introduction of precision farming technologies; and food processing, where joint investments in export-oriented enterprises are possible. Furthermore, the potential in financial technology is being discussed, including cooperation with Mastercard Europe PLC, whose representative office is accredited in Tashkent.
The potential for further growth in bilateral trade remains significant. Prospects are linked to expanding access for Uzbek products to the European market under the GSP+ status, as well as developing transport corridors connecting Central Asia and Europe via the Caspian and Black Seas.
Treaty Framework and Prospects
The legal foundation of Uzbek-Belgian relations includes 10 interstate and interagency documents regulating key areas of cooperation. Agreements on the mutual waiver of visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders and on readmission are currently under development, which will create new conditions for strengthening political, business, and humanitarian contacts.
Conclusion: Strategic Partnership in Action
Modern Uzbek-Belgian relations represent a stable, pragmatic, and mutually beneficial format of interaction, based on trust and common goals. They fit organically into Uzbekistan's strategy of deepening cooperation with the European Union, diversifying foreign trade, and introducing innovative technologies.
Belgium, as one of the key centers of European diplomacy, logistics, and finance, is an important partner for Uzbekistan within the EU, while Tashkent is becoming a reliable platform for promoting Belgian business in Central Asia.
The growth in business activity, the development of green and digital directions, and the strengthening of cultural ties form the basis for a new stage of strategic partnership—one aimed at concrete results, sustainable growth, and the shared prosperity of both nations.
