As reported earlier, the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev landed in Brussels on an official visit on the eve. Today, he held a round table discussion with the CEOs of leading European companies and banks, the presidential press service said.

In the meeting were present top managers of Vandewiele, Linde, Rhenus Logistics, Ahlers Logistics, Lasselsberger Group, Pietro Fiorentini, NextChem, Meridiam, SUEZ, FMO, European Investment Bank, Commerzbank, KfW, Textima, Chimcomplex, Metso, and others.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement would open a new chapter in relations between Uzbekistan and the EU.

Over the past seven years, the trade between Uzbekistan and the EU countries has doubled, and the number of European-invested joint ventures has exceeded 1000. "These figures testify to the growing confidence of investors in the Uzbekistan economic reform program," the statement said.

During the meeting, Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined four key areas for deepening cooperation.

Uzbekistan seeks to jointly implement for the high added value production projects through development and deep processing of strategic raw materials and minerals in the country.

Green economy and petrochemicals are also promising areas for cooperation, as the country is implementing renewable energy and modernizing its energy system, the President added, inviting European partners to tap into green energy, energy storage, and ecofriendly chemistry projects.

The development of infrastructure and logistics was also identified as a priority, since Uzbekistan is modernizing its transport network, including highways, railways, and airports. The country is ready for joint projects to develop transit routes and create modern logistics centers connecting Europe and Asia, the head of state said. He also highlighted the digital economy and information technologies as a priority, the president said not, Uzbekistan is developing IT parks and startup incubators, and is ready to cooperate with European companies in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

While, the attendees of the round table reiterated their readiness to join in the implementation of new joint projects and initiatives in Uzbekistan.