Shorouk Express
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 30. Latvia is ready
to deepen cooperation in transport logistics with Uzbekistan,
encompassing both Uzbek import and export cargo and aviation
freight between Europe and Asia, the ambassador of Latvia to
Uzbekistan Reinis Trokša told Trend in an exclusive interview.
“Latvian ports and the Riga Airport hub provide an ideal
environment to develop freight and logistics business between
Central Asia and Europe, as well as establish production and
distribution centers for supplying goods to the Northern European
region,” he said.
According to him, Latvia sees significant potential in the
fast-growing Uzbek market, which offers new opportunities not only
in traditional sectors like pharmacy, agri-food products,
machinery, and equipment but also in emerging areas such as ICT and
green technologies. In 2024, Latvia had conducted more than 10
trade missions to Uzbekistan, underscoring the strong mutual
interest in strengthening economic relations.
“Latvian businesses are keen to enhance the productivity of
Uzbek companies and facilitate their export to European markets.
The Latvia-Uzbekistan Digital Connectivity Forum, held during ICT
WEEK UZBEKISTAN 2024, exemplified such cooperation, providing a
platform for IT specialists and innovators from both countries to
collaborate. Latvian companies also view Uzbekistan as a regional
hub and are eager to expand their operations to neighboring
countries in Central Asia,” the ambassador noted.
He emphasized that Latvia has been a key partner for Uzbekistan
in development cooperation for over a decade, focusing on areas
such as good governance, sustainable economic growth, gender
equality, and climate action.
According to him, Latvia has been actively involved in promoting
good governance in Uzbekistan, with particular attention to
administrative reforms and anti-corruption efforts. He emphasized
that there is strong interest from Latvian implementers in working
with Uzbekistan, and Uzbek partners have shown openness to
cooperation in various sectors. Latvia’s support is also directed
toward fostering sustainable economic growth, especially through
the modernization of agriculture and the introduction of
standardization practices that align with EU norms.
“A significant aspect of Latvia’s assistance is the promotion of
gender equality. Latvia supports public service delivery in
Uzbekistan’s rural areas, particularly focusing on the empowerment
of women. This aligns with the broader commitment to sustainable
development goals, ensuring that marginalized groups, including
women, have access to necessary services,” he said.
The ambassador pointed out that Latvia has been actively
supporting Uzbekistan’s efforts to combat climate change. A notable
Sustainable Policy Planning for Climate Change Mitigation and
Adaptation in Uzbekistan project was being implemented by the
Latvian Association of Local and Regional Government Authorities in
2023-2024. This project aims to strengthen the capacity of local
government bodies, raise public awareness of the socio-economic
consequences of climate change, and improve sustainable policy
planning by involving the public in decision-making processes.
He emphasized several new agricultural initiatives launched in
2024, supported by Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One of
these projects, titled Improving Phytosanitary Systems to Boost
Food Exports in Uzbekistan, is being carried out by the State Plant
Protection Service of Latvia. The project aims to help Uzbekistan
align its phytosanitary system standards with those of the European
Union, facilitating the country’s access to international
markets.
“Another major initiative is the Development of Biotechnology
and Digital Skills for Climate-Controlled Agriculture
(BioDigiSkills) project, implemented by the Bulduri Horticultural
School. This project focuses on modernizing Uzbekistan’s
horticulture sector through the integration of biotechnology and
digital skills, contributing to the sustainable development of
agriculture in the country,” he underscored.
Additionally, Ambassador Trokša noted that Latvia’s Food and
Veterinary Service is involved in a project designed to strengthen
Uzbekistan’s aquaculture sector. The goal of the project,
Strengthening the Official Control System and Improving the
Compliance of Aquaculture Farms and Establishments Processing
Fishery Products in Uzbekistan is to bring Uzbekistan’s fish
processing and aquaculture businesses into line with EU standards.
This will help the Committee of Veterinary and Livestock
Development learn more and make it easier for businesses to sell
their goods in other countries.
“Uzbekistan has become a pilot country for Latvia’s National
Development Cooperation Agency (CFCA). The CFCA is already engaged
in various projects funded by international donors such as the EU
and GIZ, focusing on areas like good governance and
anti-corruption. One of the most recent developments is the signing
of the first Multi-partner Contribution Agreement (MPCA) to
implement the Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity in
Central Asia, which aims to enhance digital capacity in the region.
CFCA will lead one of the four components of this initiative,
focusing on transparent and inclusive access to public and private
connectivity services, with special attention to rural areas,
gender equality, and marginalized groups,” he said.
Furthermore, the ambassador highlighted Latvia’s leadership in
the EU Border Management Program in Central Asia (BOMCA). Since
2003, the BOMCA program has focused on enhancing border management,
developing trade corridors, and eliminating drug trafficking in the
region. The program continues to make significant contributions to
strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring greater
security.
“Latvia remains committed to supporting Uzbekistan’s development
in key areas such as governance, sustainable agriculture, climate
action, and digital connectivity, fostering continued cooperation
between the two countries,” he added.
