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  • From mining to biotech: Central Asian delegation at the German-Eurasian SME Day in Duisburg

From mining to biotech: Central Asian delegation at the German-Eurasian SME Day in Duisburg

Delegates from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan met with German SMEs at the 5th German-Eurasian SME Day in Duisburg, returning home with firm commitments for future cooperation.

Held in the impressive setting of the Theater am Marientor in Duisburg, the high-profile conference marked the culmination of the business delegation’s visit from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on 16 June. Throughout the day, representatives from companies in Tashkent and Almaty met with their counterparts from German SMEs in the venue’s grand conference hall to discuss textile manufacturing, recycling projects and green energy.

A high-calibre delegation

The participants represented a broad range of sectors, including green technology, renewable energy, the circular economy, mining, the textile industry, digitalisation and infrastructure. The delegation included not only business representatives but also participants from business associations and public institutions, many of whom have extensive experience advising on government development projects. This diverse mix made the round-table discussions the centrepiece of the day. During these sessions, the international delegates presented their projects and investment plans, while their German counterparts explored potential models for cooperation through detailed discussion.

Maxim Kononov, First Deputy Director of the Kazakhstan Mining Association, is proposing an economic event in Kazakhstan. ©Deutsch-Eurasischer Wirtschaftsbund e.V.

Dr Hanno Stöcker, Chairman of the German-Eurasian Business Association (Deutsch-Eurasischer Wirtschaftsbund e.V.), summed up the value of this direct exchange: “Engagement with companies from Central Asia opens up new avenues for economic cooperation and joint projects.” The Central Asian participants shared this view: “The SME Day gave us the opportunity to engage directly with potential partners and establish valuable contacts for future cooperation,” said one participant from Uzbekistan.

From initial contacts to firm commitments

The event went beyond expressions of intent. Maxim Kononov, First Deputy Director of the Kazakhstan Mining Association, announced plans to organise a business event together with German partners. Entrepreneurs Oybek Ergashev and Suhrob Sharopov signalled their readiness to host future German delegations for textile industry projects in Uzbekistan. Additional momentum came from the spontaneous appearance of a representative of the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who presented new investment opportunities in the textile sector and offered support in connecting German and Uzbek companies.

Political backing for the green transition

The growing momentum behind cooperation between Germany and Central Asia at the governmental level was underscored by news shared during the event: the German and Uzbek governments have recently signed a €9 million funding agreement to promote the green economy and sustainable regional development in Uzbekistan.

By the end of the day, the event had proven to be more than just a successful networking opportunity. Alongside follow-up meetings and new business contacts, participants came away with the realisation that, for German SMEs, Central Asia has long been more than a supplier of raw materials: it is a partner with its own ambitions for investment, innovation and sustainable economic cooperation.

Teaser picture: ©Madiba Consult GmbH

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From mining to biotech: Central Asian delegation at the German-Eurasian SME Day in Duisburg

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