Petr Novotný, the CEO of Škoda Group, participated in business negotiations in Brussels, led by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, concerning the company’s interests in the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s transport sector.
The aim of the round table focused on developing partnerships between Uzbekistan and European industry leaders was, among other things, to strengthen cooperation in the modernisation of transport infrastructure.
Škoda Group presented its strategic plan to enter the Uzbek transport modernisation projects a joint venture which will focus on local assembly of railway vehicles, maintenance and servicing throughout the entire life cycle of the vehicles and establishment of the Škoda Academy for local education and professional development.
“Each of the three areas represents a concrete step towards fulfilling the new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the European Global Gateway strategy. We consider Uzbekistan to be a country that is opening up to new investments from European business partners. It has long been in our sights in terms of our strategic ambitions. We therefore very much welcome the opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable transport, education and technological modernisation in the local market,” Petr Novotný said.
During the meeting, Uzbek Minister of Transport, Maxkamov Ilhom Rustamovich, also held bilateral talks with representatives of Škoda Group. Together, they discussed specific steps for cooperation in the areas of rail and urban transport. President Mirziyoyev praised the Škoda Group’s contribution to the development of the transport sector in Uzbekistan, particularly the transfer of European technology and know-how.
He also expressed his support for the Škoda Group’s long-term presence on the Uzbek market. The meeting took place following the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). The document was signed by the European Union and Uzbekistan and represents a new strategic framework for cooperation in the areas of investment, transport, energy, trade and sustainable development.
In the future, it should lay the foundation for new opportunities for European companies in the Uzbek market and support the implementation of projects in the spirit of the Global Gateway strategic initiative. The financing of the projects will be covered by the European Investment Bank (EIB) with the active support of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA).
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