Latvia ready to enhance transport ties with Uzbekistan for Europe-Asia connectivity - ambassador (Exclusive interview)

 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.