NRW and Uzbekistan: Wüst meets Prime Minister for economic reforms!

NRW and Uzbekistan: Wüst meets Prime Minister for economic reforms!

Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst receives the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov, on June 20, 2025. The meeting is dedicated to increased economic cooperation and the placement of skilled workers between the two countries. In this context, Wüst emphasizes the geopolitical importance of Central Asia for North Rhine-Westphalia and Europe. In recent years, Uzbekistan has successfully implemented liberal economic reforms and is showing positive economic development, which makes the country increasingly attractive for foreign investment. The aim of the meeting is to expand economic connections based on mutual respect and common interests, with North Rhine-Westphalia being considered a future-oriented and cosmopolitan business location.

The trade volume between North Rhine-Westphalia and Uzbekistan was around 23 million euros last year. North Rhine-Westphalia mainly exports machines, motor vehicles and parts to Uzbekistan. In return, imports from Uzbekistan include in particular clothing, textiles and agricultural products. Wüst emphasizes that both countries should benefit from increased exchange. Another important aspect for investments from North Rhine-Westphalia is ensuring legal certainty and the rule of law.

Uzbekistan as a growing market

With around 36 million inhabitants, Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia. This large, young population offers significant workforce potential. Germany and Uzbekistan are striving for more intensive economic cooperation. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has actively promoted international cooperation and undertaken numerous liberalization efforts. Uzbekistan is striving for a democratic market economy, supported by a three-digit million sum from Germany in development cooperation for 2022 and 2023.

The trade in goods between Germany and Uzbekistan has already reached around 627 million euros in 2023, with German exports to Uzbekistan exceeding imports tenfold. Especially in 2021, over 50% of German exports to Uzbekistan were of machinery and chemical products. Imports from Uzbekistan mainly include metals, food and clothing. These developments make Uzbekistan one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with growth rates of 7.4 percent in 2021 and over 5 percent currently.

Key areas of cooperation

A central concern of future cooperation is sustainable economic development. Topics such as climate and energy will also play an important role in future exchanges. The rapid development of the logistics and tourism sector, coupled with a revitalizing manufacturing industry, positions Uzbekistan as an attractive market for international investors in the long term.

The construction industry also benefits from infrastructure expansion, which overall leads to increasing private demand and growing industry. These factors are crucial for the economic future of Uzbekistan, which is increasingly presenting itself as a forward-looking partner in international trade.

There are currently over 2,600 Uzbeks living in North Rhine-Westphalia, who continue to promote intercultural exchange. With strategic ties growing between the two regions, experts expect both sides to benefit from deep economic ties. This could not only help strengthen bilateral relations, but also increase the competitiveness of both economic areas.