German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on September 15-17, 2024. As part of a business delegation, the minister seeks to advance German foreign policy and improve relations with these Central Asian states. His program entails the meeting with the Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Major subjects of discussion during this visit will concern collaboration in sectors such as trade, transport, and energy. Scholz will also attend the “Central Asia-Germany” (C5+1) format summit in Kazakhstan on September 17.
The summit that involves Germany and five Central Asian nations will enhance regional cooperation and thus expand Germany’s engagement in Central Asia. According to the data, the trade turnover between Germany and Uzbekistan was $506.3 million in the first half of 2024; however, German exports have reduced by 47%. However, the exports of Uzbekistan to Germany have a meager increase of only 3 percent. This visit should provide both parties with new prospects for cooperation, especially in the energy and technology sectors. Scholz’s visit affirms the German focus on Central Asia as a region with significant potential for forming new economic relations, especially as the global economy evolves.
Source: The Times of Central Asia, KUN.UZ
