By Jasurbek Khamrakulov, UWED undergraduate, intern at IAIS
The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, paid an official visit to Tashkent on 17–18 June 2026 as the final stop of his Asia tour. The visit marked an important step in the evolution of Uzbek-German relations, taking place in the context of Uzbekistan’s pragmatic economic reforms and Germany’s growing interest in diversifying supply chains, expanding labor partnerships and green transition projects.
Germany has been one of Uzbekistan’s most reliable European partners since diplomatic relations were established in 1992. Bilateral trade has recently reached approximately €1.2–1.4 billion, driven predominantly by German exports of machinery, vehicles and pharmaceuticals. More than 225 enterprises with German capital operate in Uzbekistan, illustrating the deepening of economic cooperation in private sector. Previous high-level engagements, including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visits to Germany and Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to Uzbekistan in 2024, laid the groundwork for the current stage of cooperation.
The visit took place against the backdrop of the annual Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF), Uzbekistan’s premier platform for attracting foreign investment and promoting international economic cooperation. In this context, talks between Presidents Mirziyoyev and Steinmeier focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, labor mobility and sustainable development. The negotiations concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statementoutlining priorities for deeper bilateral engagement.
A significant outcome of the visit was the launch of several joint economic initiatives. These included the establishment of a semi-knockdown assembly facility for Volkswagen vehicles in Tashkent, the construction of a logistics center in the Andijan region and the production of liquid household detergents. Together, these projects demonstrate a shift from political dialogue toward practical industrial cooperation and technology transfer.
Moreover, human capital development and vocational education were also outlined as crucial areas on the agenda. The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in the training of railway specialists, a sphere of growing importance, as Uzbekistan seeks to modernize its transport infrastructure and enhance regional connectivity. Plans were also announced for the establishment of modern examination and certification centers, which will help improve professional qualifications and facilitate access to employment opportunities both within Uzbekistan and abroad. These initiatives demonstrate a strong emphasis placed on education, skills development and workforce mobility in Uzbek-German relations.
The discussions also produced financial agreements designed to support Uzbekistan’s objectives in sustainable development. German institutions committed grants and concessional financing for projects focused on sustainable urban development, environmental management, and infrastructure modernization. These measures correspond with Uzbekistan’s reform policy in the context of Uzbekistan’s Strategy 2030 goals and Germany’s commitment to supporting green transition in partner countries.
Beyond economic cooperation, the meeting also emphasized cultural ties through visits to the Islamic Civilisation Centre and German-operated enterprises in Uzbekistan, highlighting the broader scope of bilateral engagement.
The broader significance of the event lies in its focus on implementation. The agreements reached in automotive manufacturing, logistics, vocational education and sustainable development provide specific mechanisms for expanding economic cooperation. At the same time, labor mobility and skills-development initiatives address Germany’s demand for qualified workers, creating legal ways for skilled labor mobility that can simultaneously address Germany's demographic challenges and contribute to workforce development in Uzbekistan.
President Steinmeier’s visit indicates not only Germany’s growing interest in Central Asia, but also Uzbekistan’s strong image as a highly important partner for Europe. The successful implementation of the initiatives could move bilateral relations to a more strategic level. More importantly, it demonstrates how Uzbekistan is becoming Germany’s principal partner in Central Asia, creating the conditions for broader European engagement with the region.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
