On September 29, the first meeting of the Uzbekistan – European Union Working Group on Investment and Financial-Technical Cooperation within the Global Gateway framework took place in Tashkent. The main topic of the meeting was the implementation of the EU's €12 billion investment package for Central Asia.

The negotiations were co-chaired by Akram Aliyev, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, and Petris Ustubs, Director of the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships. Participants reviewed the progress of joint projects, including initiatives in energy, water management, transport, and digital connectivity.

Cooperation on climate directions and critical raw materials was a separate part of the agenda. In addition, the parties discussed attracting European banks, development institutions, and private capital to finance joint projects, as well as expanding EU grant and technical support.

Following the meeting, Uzbekistan and the European Union agreed to develop the working group as a permanent mechanism for coordinating investment initiatives. The platform should facilitate the formation of a common project portfolio and the transition to the implementation of specific investment programs, including financing opportunities under EU programs for 2028–2034.