Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Singapore
In the year of 2022 we were celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic relations (April 8, 1997) between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Republic of Singapore.
Over the last 26 years both countries have enjoyed a mutually beneficial and fruitful cooperation, successfully established at the Government and business levels—and most importantly, between the peoples of our country. Both Singapore and Uzbekistan have been rigorous in supporting the initiatives within International institutions, share the values of international rule of law, while paying close attention to the issues of combating international terrorism and extremism, as well as preventing the spread of Covid-19.
In particular, Uzbekistan appreciates the efforts made for combating with coronavirus pandemic by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Temasek Foundation International, Management Institute of Singapore for 5,000 PCR test as well as for 30 Oxygen Concentrators provided in 2020 to Uzbekistan. One cannot emphasise strongly enough our deep appreciation of Singapore as a valuable partner here in in Southeast Asia and it is our endeavour continue to strengthen this cooperation, based on mutual respect and trust going forward. The positive outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic, despite the havoc it has caused globally, has been its bringing the world closer together.
Singapore’s significant role as an influencer, not only in the region, but also in the international arena, is pivotal to the development of Uzbek-Singapore co-operation and collaborations on many fronts, including joint programs and projects with your country in trade-economic, investment and cultural-humanitarian spheres.
Herewith, I have the privilege to inform that in close support and cooperation with the Singapore Government a historic moment has been prepared, which is, the State visit of H.E. Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Singapore on 17-18 January, 2023, by invitation from H.E. Madam Halimah Yacob, the President of the Republic of Singapore.
During the visit inter-government meetings and discussions are scheduled with H.E. Madam Halimah Yacob, the President of the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Mr. Lee Hsein Loong, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Mr. Heng Swee Keat, the Deputy Prime-Minister, Coordinating Minister of Economic Policies of the Republic of Singapore.
Additionally, to be held on the side will be the Uzbekistan- Singapore Business Forum at which around 30 bilateral agreements will be sealed on expanding economic, trade and investments partnerships on such strategic sectors as: cities infrastructure development, expanding and deepening cooperation on education (training government servants), healthcare, chemical and textile industry, agriculture, transport logistics (overland, railroad, airports, subway), renewable energies, and further modernization of tourism infrastructure.
I strongly believe that the State visit of the Uzbekistan Leader will be a game changer in Singapore-Uzbekistan relations, as it creates the impetus for even greater achievements together in the years to come.
Our main goal is to further expand and strengthen our long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation with the Republic of Singapore—which is based not on the principles of trust and transparency alone, but also on the principles of a win-win situation, where each partner achieves their set goals.
Aligned with the constant support by our Governments, and the comprehensive socio-economic reforms taking place in Uzbekistan, particularly over the last five years, we are witnessing the opening up of new directions for collaboration within government and business circles—particularly between small and medium-size enterprises of Uzbekistan and Singapore.
Creating the fundamental pillars of strength for further deepening of our cooperation has been the existing legal framework between our two countries, which comprises five inter-governmental documents on promotion and protection of investments, air service, economic and humanitarian cooperation, avoidance of double taxation and visa exemptions for diplomats. It is envisaged that the numbers of these documents will be further expanded.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev once described “New Uzbekistan” as “a state developing in strict compliance with the universally recognised norms in the field of democracy, human rights and freedoms, on the basis of the principles of friendship and cooperation with the international community, the ultimate aim of which is to create a free, comfortable and prosperous life for our people.”
The “New Uzbekistan” is primarily about the new economic relations, the new economic vision. It has witnessed how the economic system of our country has been completely restructured, and even if it is difficult, we have put into practice the required market mechanisms.
Today, we are also implementing the new Strategy of Development of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026. It has already witnessed the acceleration of moves from foreign investors, including from Singapore, to develop our economy, which is being revamped and is now abrim with business opportunities for large companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The most attractive sectors for investment are tourism, textiles, food processing, education, information technology (IT) banking and finance, mineral resources, new energies, urban development and others.
Uzbekistan’s investment scenario has brightened with the likes of Singaporean companies, which have invested nearly half a billion US dollars in such sectors as education, food, agriculture, and the chemicals and textile industries. Also rising in numbers are Uzbek companies which are using Singapore as a base to explore the Southeast Asia market. This also gives me a great sense of satisfaction about the progress in strengthening the ties between Uzbekistan and Singapore.
I am confident that this positive trend of bilateral cooperation amongst government and business circles will continue to increase furthermore in the years to come!
