On 19 November, the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) held a working meeting with representatives of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Swiss Confederation and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), represented by Mr Ronald Gindrat, Programme Manager at SECO, and Ms Nodira Mukhammadkulova, National Program Coordinator at SDC. IAIS was represented by Director Dr Akram Umarov, Deputy Director Mr Odil Gafarov, and Leading Research Fellow Ms Mushtariy Usmonova.

The discussion focused primarily on current trends in regional integration in Central Asia and their implications for trade, investment, and cross-border infrastructure projects. They examined how the gradual convergence of economic and legal regimes across the region could contribute to the creation of a more predictable and coherent space for doing business. In this context, possible avenues for bringing norms and standards closer together, increasing transparency and simplifying administrative procedures were discussed as important steps toward reducing transaction costs and enhancing the region’s attractiveness for foreign partners.

The parties also reviewed ongoing reforms aimed at improving the investment climate in Uzbekistan. The IAIS representatives outlined national efforts to strengthen legal protections for investors, develop financial infrastructure and enhance the predictability of the regulatory environment, with a particular focus on promoting long-term and sustainable investments in priority sectors of the economy.

In conclusion, representatives of SECO and SDC confirmed their interest in continuing dialogue with IAIS, including co-operation in assessing regional initiatives and preparing analytical materials on integration processes in Central Asia. The meeting underscored the shared intention to develop a substantive expert partnership that supports evidence-based decision-making and strengthens the region’s position in the global economic architecture.