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 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, press conference as well as engage with Kazakh and EU businesses.
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.