Between 12 and 18 March, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela will visit the five Central Asian countries to strengthen the EU-Central Asia partnership ahead of the EU-Central Asia Summit and scale up Global Gateway, the EU’s investment strategy to boost jobs and sustainable economic growth, the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan announced.
Commissioner Síkela said: “Central Asia is an important partner for the European Union, and our cooperation offers a great potential for the future. More than ever, current global challenges emphasise the need for solid partnerships and that is exactly what I aim to strengthen during my mission. My goal is to focus on key Global Gateway projects, which the EU and Central Asian partners are advancing together to create quality jobs, unlock new business opportunities, and improve essential services—from education to modern infrastructure.”
The Commissioner’s visit will focus on the main Global Gateway priority areas in Central Asia:
- transport, with a particular emphasis on the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor to reduce travel times and boost trade;
- critical raw materials, to promote best practices, new jobs and economic resilience;
- digital connectivity, to bridge the digital gap and boost access to secure high-speed internet;
- the water, energy & climate sector, including the flagship project to support the construction of resilient infrastructure, to promote access to reliable, affordable and clean energy.
During the visit, the Commissioner will sign several contracts linked to the above four key priority areas.
The Commissioner will kick off the visit in Turkmenistan, where he will meet government leaders as well as private sector representatives. The Commissioner will also visit the Turkmenbashi port, a strategic point for the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
In Kazakhstan, the Commissioner will meet high-level government representatives, participate in ceremony to sign bilateral and regional agreements in the field of transport and critical raw materials.
In Tajikistan, the Commissioner will attend several meetings with government leaders. This will be followed by a signing ceremony of important projects to support the green energy transition and the local cotton value chain. The next day, the Commissioner will visit the landmark Rogun Hydropower Plant for future support.
In Kyrgyzstan, the Commissioner will meet senior government representatives and participate in ceremonies to sign projects on water, energy, transport and human development. He will also discuss investment opportunities with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in the country. One of the topics will be potential support to the construction of the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant. In addition, the Commissioner will engage with youth representatives and the UN.
The Commissioner will conclude his visit in Uzbekistan, meeting with high-level government representatives. He will travel to the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex and also exchange with Uzbek and European businesses. The next day, he will attend the signing ceremony of regional projects in the field of digital connectivity.
The upcoming first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit early in April as well as the Global Gateway Forum in June will further build on the commitment of the EU and Central Asia to delivering lasting impact.
