Uzbekistan has agreed with Serbia to involve its state-owned Uzbekistan Railways in railway infrastructure
projects, with the two countries currently negotiating two projects and routes, Investment, Industry andTrade Minister Laziz Kudratov stated. The cooperation could give Uzbek construction companies an op-
portunity to enter the European market, he added.
According to Kudratov, the transport ministries of Uzbekistan and Serbia are currently negotiating two rail-way projects and routes. One of the projects previously discussed involves Uzbekistan's participation in
the modernization of Serbia's railway network, including the construction of a 200-km section
Kudratov described the project as a major opportunity for Uzbek construction companies to enter theEuropean market and gain experience implementing infrastructure projects in Europe. He said the projectcould also create a foundation for Uzbek companies to participate in similar construction projects in other
European countries.
The railway discussions follow a series of transport agreements exchanged between Uzbekistan andSerbia on September 8. Serbia's Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure AleksandraSofronjevic and Uzbekistan's Minister of Transport llhom Makhkamov exchanged an agreement on in-
ternational road transportation of passengers and cargo.
The sides also signed a memorandum on cooperation to support the Middle Corridor and a protocol on co-
operation in railway infrastructure. First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways Hikmatulla Rakhmetov
also participated in the transport negotiations
The railway cooperation forms part of a broader expansion in Uzbekistan-Serbia relations following
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's official visit to Belgrade. The two countries have established strategic part-
nership relations and are seeking to expand cooperation in transport, logistics and other sectors.
