Why is this important
Finland is a technological leader in mining, renewable energy sources, and digitalization. The partnership will provide Uzbekistan with access to modern technologies for the development of critical minerals (rare earth metals, copper, uranium) necessary for electric vehicles and high technologies. The Trade Finance Fund will reduce export barriers. Certification laboratories will open the way for Uzbek products to the EU. This strengthens Uzbekistan’s position in global supply chains.
What happened
- Mirziyoyev met with the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb;
- A portfolio of projects worth more than €1 billion has been formed;
- Priorities: critical materials, energy, agricultural sector, digitalization, AI, ecology, tourism;
- The establishment of the Trade Finance Fund and certification laboratories is being discussed;
- In 2026, the Intergovernmental Commission meeting, the establishment of the Business Council, and the Forum of Rectors and Innovations will be held.
Project portfolio (€1+ billion)
- Geology and critical materials: development of rare earth metals, copper, and uranium deposits. Finland is a leader in geological exploration and extraction using environmentally friendly technologies.
- Energy: renewable energy sources (RES), modernization of power grids, energy efficiency. Finnish companies specialize in solar and wind energy.
- Agrarian sector: modern technologies for processing milk, meat, grain. Finland is the birthplace of Valio, the world’s leading dairy producer.
- Digitalization and AI: Finnish IT companies will offer solutions for government, education, and healthcare. Partnership in AI technology development.
- Ecology: clean technologies, waste recycling, water management.
- Tourism: Exchange of Experience in Developing Ecotourism and Cultural Routes.
Trade Finance Fund
The joint fund will finance mutual supplies of goods, reducing export barriers. Uzbek companies will have access to loans for the export of textiles, agricultural products, and finished products to Finland and the EU.
Certification laboratories
The opening of laboratories will allow for the certification of Uzbek agricultural products and textiles according to EU standards. This will open access to the European market, where quality and safety requirements are stricter than in the CIS.
Institutional cooperation
- Intergovernmental Commission (2026): regular meetings to monitor the implementation of projects;
- Business Council: a platform for business dialogue between the two countries;
- Rectors and Innovation Forum (2026): exchange of experience in education and science;
- Interregional cooperation: partnership between the regions of Uzbekistan and Finland.
Cooperation in education and medicine
- Exchange of students and teachers;
- Joint scientific research;
- Training of medical personnel according to Finnish standards;
- Labor migration: organized recruitment of Uzbek workers to Finland is being discussed.
Context
Finland is a high-tech country with strong positions in mining, renewable energy sources, IT, and education. Finnish companies are known for their environmentally friendly technologies and innovations.
Critical materials: Uzbekistan possesses reserves of rare earth metals, uranium, copper — key for the production of electric vehicles, solar panels, and high technologies. Finland will offer development technologies with minimal environmental impact.
Energy: Uzbekistan aims to achieve 30% renewable energy sources by 2030. Finnish companies will assist in the construction of solar and wind power plants and the modernization of power grids.
Agriculture: partnership with Valio (discussed earlier) can launch modern dairy plants. Finnish processing technologies will improve the quality of Uzbek products to European standards.
Digitalization: Finland is one of the leaders in digital government. Experience in implementing electronic services and artificial intelligence in public administration will help Uzbekistan accelerate digitalization.
Current trade turnover between the countries is relatively small (specific figures are not provided). The Trade Finance Fund and certification laboratories must significantly increase it.
Export to the EU: Uzbek textiles, fruits, vegetables, and finished products can enter the European market if they undergo certification according to EU standards. Finnish laboratories will help to meet the requirements.
Labor migration: Finland, like other European countries, experiences a labor shortage. The organized migration of Uzbek workers (builders, medical workers, service providers) is beneficial for both sides.
