An article by: Francesco Lovati

The 16th Eurasian Economic Forum “Eurasia in a Changing World: A Cooperation Agenda” is taking place in Samarkand with messages from Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Vladimir Putin.

Shavkat Mirziyoev: The interaction proposed by the Forum will be particularly beneficial today, when the world is experiencing dynamic changes and transformation

The Eurasian Economic Forum, organized by the Conoscere Eurasia Association, opened on November 3 in Samarkand (Uzbekistan). “Eurasia in a Changing World: Cooperation Agenda” is the name of the event organized by the Conoscere Eurasia Association in partnership with the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, especially in times of great change and instability:

“I convey my most sincere greetings to the guests of the 16th Eurasian Economic Forum in Uzbekistan. This is a very authoritative event dedicated to business, which is held for the first time in our country, in ancient and unique Samarkand. This historical city, located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, since ancient times has united West and East, North and South, and was one of the largest centers of trade, scientific, technological, cultural, and humanitarian exchange in the vast Eurasian space.

The forum, which is held annually thanks to the initiative of the Conoscere Eurasia Association, today has become an effective platform for active and productive dialogue between representatives of the world of politics, business, civil society, experts, and specialists on various issues of global politics, and economics, as well as for cooperation prospects.

I believe that this interaction will be especially useful today, when the world is experiencing dynamic changes and transformations. New challenges and threats await us ahead, and they affect the stability and sustainable development of our countries. I support the choice of the main theme of this event (“The Art of Innovation”), which once again emphasizes the growing mutual interest and desire for broad international cooperation in the international economy, high technology, digitalization, and green industry.

I am confident that during the Forum, new mechanisms for trade, economic, and financial partnership in the field of investment and technology will be proposed; and there will also be recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperation ties in industry, new technologies, smart agriculture, transport, and logistics.

I emphasize that Uzbekistan is ready to continue the theme of mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries of the great Eurasian continent, along the entire agenda of innovative development.

I wish the participants interesting discussions and fruitful negotiations, as well as great success.”

Vladimir Putin: Russia is open for joint, constructive, and mutually beneficial work with all interested parties

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin confirmed his readiness for constructive joint work that meets common interests.

“I congratulate you on the opening of the 16th Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona, which is taking place in ancient and magnificent Samarkand,” President Putin wrote in his message.

In recent years, the Forum has deservedly gained great authority on an international scale. Regular meetings – with the participation of politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists, and authoritative experts – allow for detailed discussions of a wide variety of issues related to the economic realities of the Eurasian space.

The current edition of the Art of Innovation Forum will examine some aspects of the creation and implementation of new technologies, new decision-making methods, and new investment models designed to guarantee the modernization of industry and agriculture, the increase of energy efficiency of transport and logistics. I would like to confirm to you that Russia is open to joint, constructive, and mutually beneficial work in all of these areas with all interested parties. I wish you interesting and fruitful discussions, professional success, and all the best.”

Antonio Fallico: In Samarkand, we continue to promote the development of multilateral economic, social, and cultural cooperation. At the focus of all this, it is crucial to place the people as the main goal of the economy.

Earlier, Antonio Fallico, President of the Conoscere Eurasia Association, opened the meeting by proposing the key topic of the forum: “Eurasia in a Changing World: Agenda for Cooperation.”

“Uzbekistan was a logical choice for this latest Forum: a historical and prestigious country of economic, trade, and cultural relations between Asia and Europe, open and tolerant also in its secular vision of Islam, in recent years it has also become a driving force behind wise international economic policies that give preference to economic and cultural diplomacy in harmony with the protection of its sovereignty and the real interests of its community.

In Samarkand, we continue to promote the development of multilateral economic, social, and cultural cooperation. At the center of all this, it is crucial to place people as the main goal of the economy.

Greater Eurasia has enormous potential, and the goal of the Forum is to put it at the service of creative and peaceful economic and cultural development, overcoming the logic of hegemony and building bridges to promote constructive dialogue between today’s actors in the geopolitical blocs that dominate the world stage.”

The 16th Eurasian Economic Forum provides an opportunity to establish new contacts between entrepreneurs and renew cooperation in various sectors of the economy. Economic diplomacy must be inclusive, ambitious, and bold; it should build bridges to encourage dialogue between antagonistic geopolitical blocs and between states of different political, social, and economic orientations in the name of economic growth as a public good for the international community.

Culture must be valued as an instrument of socio-economic growth, and therefore as an instrument of prosperity. As a global public good, it also transcends geopolitical and geo-economic contingencies and conflicts, transforming individual consumers into responsible and socially active people, as well as builders of peace and prosperity for the entire international community.”

JOURNALIST

Francesco Lovati