Long-standing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Slovenia has entered a new phase in recent years. Although geographically distant, the multilateral relations between the two countries continue to strengthen steadily. Slovenia serves as an important partner for Uzbekistan in its integration with the European Union, while Uzbekistan remains one of Slovenia’s reliable economic partners in Central Asia.
The Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan cooperates with the Slovenian customs services based on the “Agreement on the Establishment of Partnership and Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan, on the one hand, and the European Union and its Member States, on the other hand” (June 21, 1996). The agreement also includes questionnaires and information exchange with the Slovenian Customs Service.
In 2024 year, the foreign trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Slovenia reached 173 million USD, marking a 47 percent increase compared to the previous year. In just the January-April period of 2025 year this figure rose to 137 million USD, which is a 41 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Slovenia primarily supplies pharmaceuticals and technological equipment, while Uzbekistan exports agricultural products, chemical goods, vehicles, and spare parts to Slovenia. In particular, Uzbekistan’s exports to the Slovenian market approached 50 million US dollars and increased 16 times compared to the previous year. These figures indicate that economic relations between the two countries are intensifying and opening up new opportunities.
Among other positive factors, Uzbekistan’s active use of the European Union’s GSP+ preferential system status is enhancing opportunities for further developing trade relations with Slovenia. The 40 percent growth in mutual trade volume in recent years is a clear example of this progress.
Additionally, in the future there are opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the transport and logistics sector. As one of the countries located in the center of Europe Slovenia is considered an important logistics hub for expanding Uzbekistan’s export capabilities to European markets. At the same time, applying environmentally clean technologies of Slovenia in the agriculture of Uzbekistan provides effective opportunities for water saving, development of organic production. Uzbekistan, with its semi-finished agricultural and industrial products, can be an important partner for Slovenia. It serves to ensure mutually beneficial and sustainable development between the two countries.
Nurbek Raxmatullayev
Senior Inspector of the
Scientific Center of Customs Committee