The third EUCentral Asia Economic Forum concluded in Tashkent, where the sides announced a series of joint projects on critical raw materials and the restoration of degraded lands in the Aral Sea region, the UzDaily outlet reported Wednesday.
Several key initiatives were adopted at the forum:
- DATA4CRM, a program to modernize geodata systems and improve access to information on critical raw materials, with a budget of 7.5 million euros. The project is implemented by the EU in partnership with Finland.
- SECURE CRM, a 3-million-euro initiative carried out with UNODC and UNECE to develop transparent and sustainable supply chains for critical raw materials.
- GROW CRM, a 3-million-euro project focused on feasibility studies and regulatory frameworks to support diversified development of the sector.
- Aral Sea Project, a reforestation program supported by an EU contribution of 8.8 million euros and loans of 20 million euros each from the EIB and AFD, aimed at the ecological and socioeconomic rehabilitation of the region.
- BOMCA and CADAP, with budgets of 12 million euros and 18 million euros respectively, aimed at strengthening border security.
Forum participants from the European Union and Central Asia discussed strategic investment promotion, digital transformation, energy infrastructure development, public administration reforms and sustainable economic growth.
EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela highlighted the importance of the Global Gateway strategy, saying the new initiatives support sustainable growth, enhance regional stability and create opportunities for investors.
The inaugural high-level EUCentral Asia Summit took place on April 4, 2025, in Samarkand.