Despite the challenging global political climate, the economy in Uzbekistan remains commendably stable, the Ambassador said in his speech at the reception on 23 September, with economic growth exceeding 6%. Foreign investment had risen significantly, he said, and the number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country had more than doubled in recent years. Today, over ten million people are employed in this sector. The proportion of young people within the total population of 38 million is particularly high. Uzbekistan has also emerged as a popular travel destination: by 2025, the number of international visitors had surpassed the ten-million mark. Ambassador Akhatov expressed his sincere gratitude to Germany for its reliable partnership and, following the official speeches, invited guests to sample a range of traditional Uzbek delicacies. He offered special thanks to sponsors from the Rheingau region, who generously provided the wine for the evening.

Gunther Krichbaum, Minister of State for Europe at the Federal Foreign Office, emphasised in his remarks that it is the reform process in Uzbekistan which has driven the country’s impressive economic growth, positioning it today as the second-largest economy in Central Asia. He also noted that Uzbekistan’s youthful labour market is of considerable interest to Germany, which is in need of young, hard-working, and motivated professionals. For Krichbaum too, tourism remains a key pillar of bilateral engagement, with Uzbekistan offering “breathtaking natural beauty” and hospitality that is “nothing short of legendary.”

After a series of outstanding cultural performances, the buffet was officially opened.