Introduction

 

1. Your excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

  Your excellency Laziz Kudratov, Minister for Investments, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

  Distinguished business leaders,

  Ladies and gentlemen

 

2. Good afternoon. Please allow me to begin by warmly welcoming President Mirziyoyev and the Uzbekistan delegation to Singapore. It is my pleasure to join you today at the Uzbekistan-Singapore Business Roundtable.

 

Growing Business Opportunities and Interest

 

3. The strong turnout at today’s event is heartening.

 

  a. It is good to see many familiar faces. Some of the Singapore companies present have been doing business in Uzbekistan for years. Others are beginning to venture into the market.

 

4. Whichever the case, Uzbekistan holds plenty opportunities.

 

  a. Uzbekistan’s pro-business economic reforms are attractive and far reaching.

 

  b. Its location between Europe and Asia, and WTO accession progress, will link Uzbekistan more closely with the rest of the world.

 

  c. Its large market and entrepreneurial people can advance and sustain economic growth.

 

Singapore-Uzbekistan Economic Ties

 

5. It is encouraging that existing business relations were reinforced, and new partnerships formed at the Uzbekistan-Singapore Business Forum on Monday.

 

  a. Over twenty businesses signed MOUs with Uzbekistan partners. A variety of areas were covered, including manufacturing, transport, logistics, education, capacity building, and a business council. I thank the Singapore Business Federation and the businesses involved for being effective vehicles to deepen economic links.

 

  b. In addition, many MOUs were exchanged between our governments. This includes one on Trade and Economic Cooperation, to deepen collaboration in traditional sectors of shared interest, and new areas like renewable energy and supply chain resilience. Such initiatives are testament to our shared commitment to build enduring relations. Notably, Singapore and Uzbekistan remained in close collaboration during the COVID-19 crisis. Our MOUs signals commitment by Singapore and Uzbekistan to continue working hand-in-hand to foster these warm relations and support the interests of our business communities.

 

Conclusion

 

6.    In closing, I wish the companies at this business roundtable a fruitful and productive discussion. I encourage everyone to tap onto this platform to exchange ideas, gain insights into the opportunities, and build new partnerships.

 

7. I thank President Mirziyoyev once again for the visit to Singapore and look forward to continued ties and friendships between our countries.

 

Thank you.