Uzbekistan and Czech Republic Boost Strategic Partnership

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic are advancing toward a new stage of partnership, marked by steadily growing business, trade, investment, and cultural ties, which have notably intensified during 2024–2026.

In March 2025, the 10th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation was held in Prague, confirming a shift toward a more structured and systematic framework of engagement. The sides discussed new joint projects, the launch of co-production initiatives, long-term financing mechanisms, and the expansion of business support tools. Special attention was given to cooperation in transport, pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, food industry, agriculture, leather production, tourism, and education.

Key representatives of Czech industry actively involved in international cooperation, including in Central Asia, include Škoda Transportation (Škoda Group), a major engineering conglomerate specializing in transport solutions; Doctor Müller Pharma, a well-known pharmaceutical company; and ZVVZ Engineering, focused on air purification systems, ventilation technologies, and industrial engineering solutions.

From the Czech perspective, Uzbekistan is viewed as one of the most promising and capacious markets in Central Asia. Official Czech business profiles describe Uzbekistan as a significant regional trade partner and note steady growth in Czech exports in recent years. Increasing investment flows from the Czech Republic are positioning the country as a notable European investor in the Uzbek market.

Priority areas of cooperation currently include mechanical engineering, geology and mining, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and the energy sector. The focus is on localization of production, technology transfer, workforce development, and improvements in energy efficiency, as well as projects involving critical minerals and high value-added goods. Implementation formats include long-term financing, expanded support instruments, inter-company cooperation, and the establishment of joint production facilities. At present, 44 enterprises with Czech capital operate in Uzbekistan.

Digital and technological cooperation between the two countries has also been expanding in 2025–2026. This is no longer limited to general intentions but is reflected in practical steps involving startups, IT outsourcing, innovation ecosystems, technical regulation, and technology-driven investment. The relationship is increasingly characterized by the development of a joint innovation environment, moving beyond traditional trade relations.

The expansion of startup and innovation cooperation reflects a broader shift toward a more integrated technological ecosystem. The entry of Czech IT and outsourcing companies into Uzbekistan indicates growing engagement in GBS, IT services, and remote digital solutions.

Technological cooperation is also strengthening through standardization, metrology, and technical regulation. Joint efforts in certification, testing, and market surveillance are laying the institutional foundation for industrial cooperation and technology transfer, enabling smoother market access for jointly produced goods.

Cultural relations between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic are developing mainly through embassy-led events, festivals, education, and tourism initiatives. The Czech Embassy in Tashkent regularly organizes cultural events showcasing Czech music, cuisine, and traditions, linking cultural diplomacy with broader economic engagement. At the same time, Uzbekistan is expanding its international cultural outreach through planned cultural days in more than ten countries and new bilateral cultural agreements, creating additional opportunities for exchanges with Czech partners.

Overall, the Czech Republic represents an important European partner for Uzbekistan in technology, transport, pharmaceuticals, industrial cooperation, and standards development, while Uzbekistan is emerging as a rapidly growing Central Asian market with increasing investment attractiveness.

In the near term, cooperation is expected to further expand through increased trade, high-level visits, meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, and new joint initiatives across economic and cultural sectors.

Dildora Karimova,
Project Head, Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies (IMRS), Doctor of Economics, Professor