Indonesia Partners with Uzbekistan as an Economic Ally
One of the most important lessons from Indonesia’s long trade journey is diversification. The current global environment serves as a reminder that future growth will increasingly come from developing regions and new economic corridors. This is why Indonesia views Central Asia as one of the most promising regions for future cooperation and collaboration.
This was conveyed by Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, during her keynote speech at the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Wednesday (17/6).
“Central Asia is no longer just a region situated between major economies. It has become a strategic hub connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Within this region, which plays a vital role in global trade, Uzbekistan has emerged as a remarkable success story. The economic reforms undertaken by the Government of Uzbekistan have strengthened investor confidence, spurred industrial development, and enhanced regional connectivity. These achievements make Uzbekistan one of the most attractive economic partners in the region,” explained Deputy Minister Roro.
Deputy Minister Roro outlined that bilateral trade between Indonesia and Uzbekistan continues to show a positive and growing trend. In early 2026, the two countries officially launched negotiations for the Indonesia-Uzbekistan Free Trade Agreement (IU-FTA).
According to her, Indonesia sees this initiative not merely as a trade agreement, but as a bridge connecting Southeast Asia and Central Asia. A bridge that can facilitate trade, attract investment, strengthen supply chains, support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and create new opportunities for communities.
“More importantly, this can contribute to a more resilient and interconnected economic architecture,” added Deputy Minister Roro.
Deputy Minister Roro noted that the story of global trade has always been about connectivity. Indonesia believes that business connectivity is the foundation of sustainable economic cooperation. Trade agreements can open doors of opportunity, but it is the interaction between business actors that turns opportunities into tangible results.
On this occasion, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Ibrohim Ergashev, also openly invited international partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to collaborate in building future trade connectivity networks in Central Asia. “In a global trade landscape currently experiencing supply chain reorganisation and route changes, the Central Asian region now occupies an increasingly strategic position, and Uzbekistan is actively positioning itself as an attractive logistics and industrial investment platform,” he stated.