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 based on mutual respect, equality and constructive dialogue. Belgium recognized Uzbekistan’s independence on 31 December 1991, and diplomatic relations were established on 10 March 1992. In 1995, the Embassy of Uzbekistan opened in Brussels, while Belgium coordinates cooperation through its diplomatic mission in Astana.
Over the past eight years, Uzbek–Belgian cooperation has gained notable momentum, strengthening mutual trust and expanding practical collaboration. Regular exchanges of letters between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and King Philippe of the Belgians demonstrate mutual respect and the shared aspiration to deepen friendly ties.
Interregional Cooperation and Humanitarian Links
Interregional contacts play an important role in developing Uzbekistan–Belgium relations. Tashkent maintains sister-city relations with Kortrijk, and Samarkand with Liège. Such partnerships create opportunities for sharing experience in urban infrastructure, innovation, environmental management and cultural programs.
A symbol of respect and historical connection is the bust of Abu Ali ibn Sina installed in Kortrijk, serving as a cultural bridge between East and Europe. Similar humanitarian initiatives enhance mutual understanding between peoples and strengthen Uzbekistan’s positive image on the European continent.
Trade and Economic Cooperation: Expanding Opportunities and New Directions
Trade Dynamics and Investment Interest
Belgium is one of Uzbekistan’s most active economic partners in the European Union. The two countries enjoy a most-favoured-nation regime, and trade volumes have shown steady growth-from $70 million in 2020 to $212.7 million in 2024. The structure of bilateral exchange remains balanced, reflecting diversified supplies and mutual business interest.
Uzbek exports to Belgium include industrial and food products, textiles, chemical goods, building materials and services. Imports mainly consist of machinery, 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 are actively engaged in modernizing textile production, developing logistics, agriculture and food industries-introducing new technologies, improving product quality and creating jobs.
Industrial Cooperation and Technological Partnership
Industrial and technological cooperation occupies a special place in bilateral relations. Belgian firms are renowned for engineering excellence in mechanical engineering, weaving equipment, chemistry and processing. The supply of modern weaving machines by Picanol and Van de Wiele has become a key element of Uzbekistan’s textile-cluster modernization, boosting productivity and export potential.
A promising area of partnership is the green economy. The Belgian side shows interest in projects to enhance energy efficiency, waste management and renewable-energy development. Discussions are under way on involving Belgian technologies in smart-city, water-treatment and sustainable-agriculture initiatives.
Business Missions and New Cooperation Platforms
In May 2024, a business mission of 17 Belgian companies visited Uzbekistan, representing pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food industry, IT and eco-technologies. The visit featured B2B and B2G meetings, presentations of regional investment potential and discussions on localizing joint production.
That same year, the Benelux Chamber of Commerce was opened in Tashkent, uniting the business communities of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Its activities focus on supporting investors, organizing business forums, roadshows and participation in industry exhibitions-creating a new channel of communication between the private sector and government institutions.
Regular business contacts are also maintained with AWEX, FIT and Hub.Brussels, with joint projects under development in digitalization, biotechnology, agro-processing and logistics.
Investment and Infrastructure Prospects
Uzbekistan views Belgium as an important partner in large-scale infrastructure projects. Belgian companies possess experience in building industrial and transport facilities, managing ports and logistics centers-skills relevant to Uzbekistan’s industrialization and transport-modernization agenda.
Priority sectors include pharmaceuticals, where Belgium has global expertise; agro-industry, particularly precision-farming technologies; and food processing, with potential for export-oriented joint ventures. Cooperation in financial technologies is also being discussed, including partnership with Mastercard Europe PLC, which has a representative office accredited in Tashkent.
The potential for further bilateral trade growth remains considerable, supported by Uzbekistan’s access to the EU market under GSP+ status and the development of transport corridors linking Central Asia and Europe via the Caspian and Black Seas.
Legal Framework and Future Outlook
The legal foundation of Uzbekistan–Belgium relations includes 10 intergovernmental and interagency agreements regulating key areas of cooperation. Work is under way on agreements on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports and on readmission-steps that will strengthen political, business and humanitarian exchanges.
Conclusion: A Strategic Partnership in Action
Modern Uzbekistan–Belgium relations represent a stable, pragmatic and mutually beneficial partnership built on trust and shared goals. They align naturally with Uzbekistan’s strategy to deepen cooperation with the European Union, diversify foreign trade and implement innovative technologies.
Belgium - one of Europe’s key centers of diplomacy, logistics and finance - serves as an important partner for Uzbekistan within the EU, while Tashkent is becoming a reliable platform for promoting Belgian business in Central Asia.
Growing business activity, the development of green and digital sectors, and the strengthening of cultural ties form the basis for a new stage of strategic partnership - focused on tangible results, sustainable growth and the shared prosperity of the peoples of both nations.
Abror Nematov
Deputy Head of Department at the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan