In an exclusive interview with IN Diplomacy, H.E. Alisher Kayumov, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Singapore, shares plans for deepening bilateral cooperation across government, business, and education sectors.

Uzbekistan and Singapore are gearing up for a series of strategic collaborations aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. In an exclusive interview with IN Diplomacy on 19 December 2024, H.E. Alisher Kayumov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Singapore, outlined several initiatives planned for the year 2025.

Government-to-Government Engagements
The Ambassador revealed that Uzbekistan’s parliamentary chairman is expected to visit Singapore in June 2025. This visit will follow the Singapore Business Federation delegation’s trip to Uzbekistan in April, which will include business forums connecting entrepreneurs from both nations. Additionally, Uzbekistan plans to host the Singapore Police Commissioner and Attorney-General, further enhancing cooperation in law enforcement and legal matters.

Economic Partnerships
Uzbekistan is set to host and support several Singaporean investments this 2025. Projects by companies like Indorama, which plans to expand its operations, and Wilmar International, which aims to establish a food production facility, are already underway. Financial services firm Franklin Templeton is also collaborating with Uzbekistan on a major privatisation initiative, reflecting a deepening economic partnership.

Educational and People-to-People Collaboration
Educational cooperation continues to thrive, with institutions like TMC Academy expanding their footprint in Uzbekistan. The academy is constructing its third campus in Tashkent, serving over 7,000 students. Similarly, MDIS is introducing new courses and disciplines, while other Singaporean universities are in talks to collaborate with Uzbek partners.

Upcoming Celebrations and Milestones
The Ambassador highlighted plans for Uzbek delegations to participate in Singapore’s 60th Independence Day celebrations in 2025. Such cultural exchanges are set to further strengthen the people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Reflections on Progress
When asked about the MoUs signed during the Uzbek President’s recent visit, the Ambassador noted steady progress despite minor challenges. Success stories like TMC Academy and MDIS underscore the strength of the bilateral relationship.

H.E. Alisher Kayumov expressed optimism about the initiatives planned for 2025, highlighting the shared commitment of Uzbekistan and Singapore to mutual growth and collaboration.

Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters