Expanding Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic in the Transport and Logistics Sector

The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan views the development of cooperation with the Czech Republic as one of the strategic priorities for strengthening the country’s international transport and logistics integration.

Amid the transformation of global logistics chains and the growing importance of Eurasian transport corridors, cooperation with the Czech Republic is gaining practical value as a channel for accessing Central European markets, attracting advanced technologies, and developing sustainable transport solutions.

To date, a solid institutional and legal framework for cooperation has been established between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic. The intensification of intergovernmental dialogue, including the holding of the 10th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in Prague in 2025, has given new impetus to cooperation and allowed for a transition from discussion to the practical implementation of joint projects.

The transport agenda occupies a central place in bilateral relations. Cooperation covers road transport, the railway sector, civil aviation, and the digitalization of logistics processes. At the same time, there is a steady upward trend in freight traffic: by the end of the first quarter of 2026, the volume of freight traffic between the countries had increased by 76.6% compared to the same period last year.

The railway sector plays a central role in bilateral cooperation. Ahead of the anticipated visit of Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to Uzbekistan with a business delegation, Ambassador of the Czech Republic Lubomír Frebert proposed expanding cooperation with the Škoda Group regarding the supply of electric trains, and the establishment of a joint venture in Uzbekistan for the production and maintenance of rolling stock is also under discussion.

Negotiations are currently underway regarding the localization of certain components, the organization of a long-term service cycle, attracting investment, creating new jobs, and training local specialists, including an initiative to launch the “Škoda Academy” and cooperation with Tashkent State Transport University.

The signing on May 10, 2023, in Prague of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Enhanced Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Czech Republic marked an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations and signaled a transition to a more systematic and long-term format of cooperation. The document cemented the high level of political dialogue and gave additional impetus to practical cooperation between the countries.

The declaration outlines key areas for expanding the partnership, including trade, economic, investment, and industrial cooperation, as well as collaboration in transportation and logistics, energy, innovation, education, and other fields. Particular attention is paid to the development of transport connectivity, infrastructure modernization, and the introduction of modern technologies, which creates a foundation for the implementation of joint projects and the deepening of Uzbekistan’s integration into European and Eurasian transport corridors.

Expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic in the transport and logistics sector is a key element in implementing the country’s transport system development strategy. The established partnership framework, the existence of specific projects, and the mutual interest of the parties create a solid foundation for moving to a new stage – the comprehensive integration of technologies, infrastructure, and human capital.

Looking ahead, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic will develop with a focus on the practical implementation of joint initiatives and the scaling up of agreements already reached. Particular attention will be paid to improving the efficiency of transport corridors, simplifying transport procedures, and expanding business participation in bilateral projects.

Thus, a comprehensive model of cooperation is taking shape, combining infrastructure development, technological modernization, and workforce training. This will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also enhance Uzbekistan’s role as a reliable and competitive participant in the international transport and logistics system.