Uzbekistan–Belgium Relations: Trust, Pragmatism, and Prospects for a New Stage of Partnership

Political Cooperation: 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, Uzbekistan’s Embassy began operating in Brussels, while Belgium coordinates its cooperation through its diplomatic mission in Astana.

Over the past eight years, Uzbek–Belgian cooperation has gained significant momentum, mutual trust has strengthened, and practical areas of collaboration have expanded. Regular exchanges of messages between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and King Philippe of the Belgians reflect mutual respect and a shared commitment to strengthening friendly ties.

Interregional Cooperation and Humanitarian Relations
Interregional contacts play an important role in the development of Uzbek–Belgian relations. Tashkent maintains sister-city ties with Kortrijk, and Samarkand with Liège. Such partnerships open opportunities for sharing experience in urban infrastructure, innovation, environmental protection, and cultural programming.

A symbol of respect and historical connection is the bust of Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna) installed in Kortrijk, which has become a symbolic bridge between the East and Europe. Similar cultural and humanitarian initiatives strengthen mutual understanding between peoples and help promote a positive image of Uzbekistan across 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 within the European Union. The two countries enjoy a most-favored-nation trading regime, and trade volumes have shown steady growth—from USD 70 million in 2020 to USD 212.7 million in 2024. The structure of bilateral trade remains balanced, reflecting diversification of supplies and mutual business interest.

Uzbekistan’s exports to Belgium include industrial and food products, textiles, chemicals, construction materials, and services. Imports from Belgium primarily consist of equipment, components, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and precious metals.

Currently, 16 enterprises with Belgian capital operate in Uzbekistan, including Picanol, Van de Wiele, Gosselin Caucasus & Central Asia, Aatko Carpets, and Intraco. These companies actively contribute to the modernization of textile production, logistics, agriculture, and the food industry. Their activities promote the adoption of advanced technologies, improved product quality, and job creation.

Sectoral Cooperation and Technological Partnership
Industrial and technological cooperation is gaining particular importance. Belgian companies are renowned for their advanced engineering solutions in machinery, weaving equipment, chemistry, and processing industries. The supply of modern looms by Picanol and Van de Wiele has become a key element in modernizing Uzbekistan’s textile clusters, boosting both productivity and export potential.

A promising direction of cooperation lies in the green economy. The Belgian side has expressed interest in participating in projects aimed at improving energy efficiency, waste recycling, and developing renewable energy sources. Discussions are also underway on attracting Belgian technologies for “smart city” initiatives, water treatment systems, and sustainable agriculture projects.

Business Missions and New Platforms for Cooperation
In May 2024, a business mission of 17 Belgian companies visited Uzbekistan, representing the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, IT, and eco-technology sectors. The visit included B2B and B2G meetings, presentations on the investment potential of various regions, and discussions on localizing joint production facilities.

In the same year, the Benelux Chamber of Commerce was opened in Tashkent, bringing together business communities from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Its activities focus on supporting investors, organizing business forums, roadshows, and participation in industry exhibitions. The Chamber has become a new channel of communication between the private sector and government institutions of both countries.

Regular business contacts are maintained with Belgian agencies AWEX, FIT, and Hub.Brussels. The two sides are jointly developing projects in digitalization of production processes, biotechnology, agricultural processing, and logistics.

Investment and Infrastructure Prospects
Uzbekistan regards Belgium as an important partner in implementing major infrastructure projects. Belgian companies have extensive experience in building industrial and transport facilities, managing ports and warehouse complexes—areas that align closely with Uzbekistan’s industrialization and transport modernization programs.

Priority sectors include pharmaceuticals, where Belgian producers hold global expertise; the agro-industrial complex, including precision farming technologies; and food processing, where joint investments in export-oriented enterprises are possible. Additionally, cooperation prospects are being explored in the field of financial technologies, including collaboration with Mastercard Europe PLC, which has a representative office accredited in Tashkent.

The potential for further growth in bilateral trade remains significant. Key opportunities include expanding access for Uzbek goods to the European market under the GSP+ status and developing transport corridors linking Central Asia and Europe via the Caspian and Black Seas.

Legal Framework and Future Outlook
The legal foundation of Uzbek–Belgian relations includes 10 intergovernmental and interagency documents that regulate key areas of cooperation. Agreements on mutual visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders and on readmission are currently under consideration, which will create new conditions for strengthening political, business, and humanitarian ties.

Conclusion: Strategic Partnership in Action
Modern Uzbek–Belgian relations represent a stable, pragmatic, and mutually beneficial form of cooperation based on trust and shared goals. They align naturally with Uzbekistan’s strategy to deepen relations with the European Union, diversify foreign trade, and introduce innovative technologies.

Belgium—one of Europe’s leading centers of diplomacy, logistics, and finance—serves as an important EU partner for Uzbekistan, while Tashkent is emerging as a reliable platform for promoting Belgian business in Central Asia.

The growth of business activity, development of green and digital sectors, and strengthening of cultural ties form the foundation for a new stage of strategic partnership—focused on tangible results, sustainable growth, and the shared prosperity of both nations.