BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. Latvia is interested in strengthening cooperation with Uzbekistan in the fields of food, green technology, efficient water resource management, pharmaceuticals and ICT, a source at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia told Trend.
“Cooperation between Latvia and Uzbekistan is developing dynamically – regular political dialogue takes place, cooperation in various sectors is expanding,” the source noted.
The ministry official also mentioned that there is a well-established history of collaboration between the two nations within the transportation and logistics field, and Latvia is observing favorable trends in their partnership within the aviation industry.
“Latvia remains dedicated to providing unwavering support for the ongoing reform process in Uzbekistan. We recognize the significance of these reforms in fostering economic growth, political stability, and social development within Uzbekistan,” the ministry said.
The source has also explained that Latvia and Uzbekistan are currently engaged in a number of joint projects aimed at bolstering the mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries.
“The Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments is currently implementing a project to enhance Uzbekistan's sustainable climate change policy. This project focuses on strengthening the capacity of local authorities in partnership with Uzbekistan's national Yuksalish movement. Its goals include increasing public awareness of the socio-economic impact of climate change and encouraging public involvement in decision-making,” said the ministry.
The source also said that, simultaneously, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is contributing to the development of a sustainable bioeconomy in Uzbekistan, aligning with the country's strategic objectives. This collaboration involves reciprocal visits to Latvia to exchange valuable experience.
“Furthermore, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the CLEANTECH LATVIA cluster has been implementing projects since 2017. Between 2019 and 2023, CLEANTECH LATVIA facilitated the transfer of Latvia's expertise and technologies in water management to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as part of an EU-funded project,” he stated.
The source explained that the project's main objective is to enhance the capacity of engineering companies, culminating in the development and implementation of an engineer certification system.
Earlier this year, Latvia has expressed its readiness to boost investments in Uzbekistan through the implementation of an additional project, the construction of a phosphorite processing plant,
As was noted, preliminary estimates indicate that the construction of the plant is valued at $12 million, all of which will come from direct foreign investments.
Meanwhile, Georgijs Vojevoda, Head of the newly created representative office of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) in Uzbekistan, earlier emphasized the growing interest of Latvian businesses in establishing promising cooperation with Uzbekistan.
According to Eurostat data, Latvia ranked 8-th among Uzbekistan's main trade partners in 2022, with a turnover of 11.4 million euros.