Uzbekistan, UK boosting trade, investments

TASHKENT. Feb 27 (Interfax) - Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov has taken part in the first Central Asia - United Kingdom ministerial meeting in London, which focused on an enhanced trade and investment partnership.

"The meeting provided a timely, substantive platform for the exchange of views on problems and opportunities of economic development in the region and for the determination of priorities in boosting trade, investments and relations with the United Kingdom," Saidov said on Telegram on Friday.

Emphasis was put on diversified trade, industrial cooperation, sustainable development of infrastructure, and ways to unlock the potential of Central Asia in critical minerals and renewable energy, he said.

Saidov met with British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper.

The negotiations ended with signing memoranda of mutual understanding to accelerate practical cooperation through joint projects, effective use of green financing instruments, and expansion of student and academician exchanges.

Additionally, Saidov met with UK Export Finance CEO Tim Reid in London.

"The economic reforms underway in Uzbekistan to further improve the investment climate and strengthen the role of the private sector in the provision of sustainable economic growth were discussed," Saidov said.

A memorandum of mutual understanding was signed after the meeting to use financial instruments provided by UK Export Finance in priority infrastructural projects in Uzbekistan.

The first meeting of Central Asian and British foreign ministers was held in London on February 26 in the C5+1 format.