Sakova in Uzbekistan: Great That Slovakia Also Turning to Non-European States

Tashkent, 10 June (TASR-correspondent) - During her visit to Uzbekistan on Tuesday, Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) expressed appreciation for the fact that Slovakia is looking beyond Europe to other parts of the world, singling out Asia in particular, as the opportunities for investment and business cooperation there are growing in her opinion. "There are countries, there are regions that are marked by economic growth. They have several reforms behind them, some reforms are still in the planning stages, and they have tough but also wise government policies regarding the development of the countries concerned. And Uzbekistan is one such country that has made incredible achievements in the past four years," said Sakova. The minister highlighted the country's overall economic growth, the increase in exports, the shortening of permit processes and the reduction in the time needed to conclude investment contracts. Several reforms have also adjusted business opportunities. "Uzbekistan is basically a gateway for Slovakia to the Central Asian region, which has a huge potential for us, given that these countries are experiencing economic growth," she stated. According to her, the areas of cooperation include the automotive industry, information and communication technologies and innovation. Agriculture and the arms industry are also an important part of planned bilateral cooperation. The latter is also of great importance for the future, as Europe is set to rearm massively, added Sakova. Sakova also mentioned the significant mineral resources of Uzbekistan and of Kazakhstan, which the government delegation headed by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) is scheduled to visit on Wednesday (11 June). am/df