Why is this important
The Labor Migration Memorandum opens a new labor market for Uzbek migrants in Europe through Serbia — a candidate country for the EU. The investment protection agreement reduces risks for Serbian companies in Uzbekistan and vice versa. The “CA — Balkans” transport corridor through the Trans-Caspian Sea could become an alternative to Russian routes. Partnership in AI, pharmaceuticals, and IT expands cooperation in high-tech industries.
What happened
- Mirziyoyev met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on October 28;
- They signed a joint declaration and 9 documents on cooperation;
- Key document — memorandum on cooperation in labor migration;
- Other agreements: investment, tourism, education, medicine, AI, diplomatic personnel;
- An intergovernmental commission on economics was created, the first meeting in 2026 in Tashkent;
- Tashkent and Belgrade have established partnership relations.
Signed documents
- Memorandum on cooperation in the field of labor migration — organized exchange of labor resources;
- Agreement on Mutual Encouragement and Protection of Investments — risk reduction for investors;
- Agreement on Economic Cooperation – development of trade and cooperation;
- Agreement on cooperation in the field of medical services – exchange of experience, training of personnel;
- Agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism – development of tourist routes;
- Agreement on cooperation in the field of education, science and culture – student exchange, scientific cooperation;
- Agreement on Cooperation in Engineering, Advanced Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and Related Areas – High-Tech Partnership;
- Protocol on cooperation in the field of training diplomatic personnel – exchange of experience for diplomats;
- The agreement on establishing partnership relations between Tashkent and Belgrade is an agreement on the brotherhood of the capitals.
Priority industries
- Engineering;
- Pharmacy;
- Chemical industry;
- IT sector;
- Agro-industry;
- Tourism.
Transport corridor
The development of transport routes along the route “Central Asia — the Balkans”, including the use of the Trans-Caspian corridor (China — Kazakhstan — Caspian — Azerbaijan — Georgia — Turkey — the Balkans), was discussed. This is an alternative to Russian routes and a reduction in transit time.
Context
Labor migration: Uzbekistan is the largest exporter of labor in the CIS (about 3 million migrants, mainly in Russia). The memorandum with Serbia opens up a new labor market in Europe. Serbia is a candidate country for EU membership with a visa-free regime for Russians and simplified entry for CIS citizens. Uzbek migrants can work in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Investment protection: The agreement reduces risks for investors by guaranteeing compensation in case of nationalization, expropriation, or discrimination. This is standard practice for attracting foreign direct investment.
Transport corridor: The “CA — Balkans” route through the Trans-Caspian Sea is important for diversifying logistics and reducing dependence on Russia. Goods from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan can go to Europe through Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and the Balkans, bypassing Russian territory. This is crucial in the context of geopolitical tensions.
Mechanical Engineering and Pharmaceuticals Serbia has a developed pharmaceutical industry (Hemofarm, Galenika) and mechanical engineering. Uzbekistan is interested in technologies and joint production.
AI and IT: Serbia is one of the leaders in the IT industry in the Balkans. Uzbekistan seeks to develop AI (a decree recently signed on the development of AI technologies) and is interested in partnering with Serbian companies.
Tourism: Serbia is attractive for tourists from the CIS (visa-free, European level of service, affordable prices). Uzbekistan can offer historical routes (Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva). The development of tourism is mutually beneficial.
Intergovernmental Commission: The establishment of the Economic Cooperation Commission formalizes cooperation and ensures regular monitoring of the implementation of agreements. The first meeting in Tashkent in 2026.
The partnership between the capitals includes cultural exchanges, business forums, joint projects in education and sports.
