Romania has pledged its support to Uzbekistan’s integration into the Caspian-Black Sea transport corridor, a strategic route designed to enhance trade and connectivity between Central Asia and Europe. Romanian Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Daniel Cristian Ciobanu, detailed the initiative in an exclusive interview with Trend.
“Romania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkmenistan are working to operationalize the Caspian-Black Sea transport route, leveraging the Black Sea port of Constanta and the Danube River,” said Ambassador Ciobanu. “This route will reduce time and costs for goods transported between Uzbekistan, Romania, and Europe. We plan to offer this route to Uzbek economic operators once it becomes functional.”
Liberalizing Bilateral and Transit Freight
Transport cooperation between Uzbekistan and Romania gained momentum following a Joint Commission meeting on Road Transport in March 2024. Starting June 1, 2024, both nations liberalized bilateral and transit freight transport while granting permissions for third-country logistics under specific conditions.
Growing Trade Relations
Economic ties between the two countries have strengthened significantly, with bilateral trade rising over 111% in the first half of 2024 to $41.6mn.
- In 2022, trade volume surged by 336.53% compared to 2021, with Romanian exports to Uzbekistan increasing by 116.51%.
- Ambassador Ciobanu attributed this growth to Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, which have opened avenues for international collaboration.
Business Collaboration Expands
Romanian companies are increasingly exploring opportunities in Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical, construction, food production, and IT sectors.
- A notable joint venture in pharmaceuticals already exists, and Romanian businesses are active in construction and food industries.
- In November 2024, an Uzbek IT delegation led by IT Park Director Farhod Ibragimov visited Romania, engaging with major Romanian tech firms.
Social Sector Initiatives
Romania has also extended support to Uzbekistan’s social development efforts.
- In 2022, Romania partnered with UNICEF to deliver medical equipment to a children’s medical center in Termez and establish two alternative preschools in Khorezm.
- In early 2024, a delegation from Uzbekistan’s Social Protection Agency visited Romania to learn about assistance programs for vulnerable groups, including orphans, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Future Prospects
Ambassador Ciobanu emphasized the importance of developing efficient transport links to sustain economic momentum. “We must address transport issues to create faster and more flexible routes for goods between Romania and Uzbekistan,” he said.
The ambassador remains optimistic about the deepening partnership, citing growing interest from both Romanian and Uzbek businesses as a foundation for further collaboration in trade, investment, and development projects.
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