ERFURT_ Exploring business options for Thuringian companies in a world region full of opportunities – this is the aim of the market exploration trip that a Thuringian delegation will embark on for Central Asia on Sunday, September 25. The destinations are the countries Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan – these two states are the two largest economies in Central Asia and offer companies from the Free State a wide range of opportunities for business activities and cooperation. The trip is organized by the foreign trade team “Thuringia International“ of LEG; the delegation is led by Dr. Arnulf Wulff, LEG authorized officer and department head. The stops on the trip from September 25 to October 2 are the Kazakh capital Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan) and Almaty, as well as the Uzbek capital Tashkent and Samarkand.
For several years now, “Thüringen International” has dedicated many activities to market development in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, including, in the recent past, information events and a digital business trip (“Online Business Mission”). This corresponds to the high response that the trip's offering received from companies: a total of 25 company executives as well as representatives of research institutions and organizations are taking part. A high-ranking reception awaits the Thuringian guests on site: among other things, meetings will take place with Monika Iwersen, German Ambassador to Kazakhstan, and Dr. Tilo Klinner, German Ambassador to Uzbekistan. The core of the travel program consists of many company discussions, individual business Contacte organized in advance for the companies, company visits, and Contacte with local business associations.
New options for economic cooperation – key areas here include mining and mechanical engineering – are just as much a focus as research collaborations, for example in the field of textile technology. In Astana, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU/letter of intent) will be signed with the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, ATAMEKEN.
Background:
Kazakhstan is considered the most powerful economy in Central Asia and is Germany's most important trading partner in the region. The country traditionally fulfills an important bridging function between Asia and Europe.
Uzbekistan is with 35 million inhabitants the third-largest country of the former Soviet Union and forms the largest consumer market in Central Asia. In addition to its wealth of mineral resources, the country has a considerable industrial base and great agricultural potential.
