Uzbekistan becomes an increasingly attractive destination for tourists from the Czech Republic

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Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic in the field of tourism has been developing actively in recent years and is gaining a stable and sustainable character.

Both countries view tourism not only as an economic sector but also as an important tool for cultural exchange, strengthening international relations, and fostering mutual understanding between peoples. Within the framework of bilateral cooperation, joint tourism forums and presentations of tourism potential are regularly organized, and collaboration is being developed between tourism companies and educational institutions. Participation in international exhibitions also plays a significant role, where Uzbekistan promotes its historical and cultural routes, while the Czech Republic presents European travel destinations.

One of the reasons for the growing interest of Czech citizens in Uzbekistan is its rich historical heritage. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva—important centers of the ancient Great Silk Road—attract tourists with their unique architecture and the atmosphere of Eastern civilization. For Czech travelers, these destinations are of particular value, as they offer an opportunity to experience history preserved in a living form, distinct from the familiar European cultural landscape.

Another important factor is the exotic and authentic character of Uzbekistan. Tourists from the Czech Republic highlight the unique atmosphere of oriental bazaars, the diversity of national cuisine, the richness of traditions, and the hospitality of local people. All of this creates a truly unique travel experience that is difficult to find in more mass tourism destinations.

A significant role in the growth of tourist flows is also played by the development of Uzbekistan’s tourism infrastructure. A visa-free regime has been introduced for citizens of the Czech Republic, hotels are being modernized, and the transport network is expanding, including domestic flights and high-speed rail connections between major cities. All this makes travel more comfortable and accessible for European tourists, including Czech citizens.

Cultural and educational exchange remains another important area of cooperation. Czechs show interest in Uzbek crafts such as carpet weaving, ceramics, and national embroidery, as well as traditional music and dance. In addition, academic and business exchanges are developing, including participation in conferences, educational programs, and business initiatives, further strengthening ties between the two countries.

A significant milestone in bilateral cooperation was the workshop “Beginning of the Czech Odyssey. Popular Spa Resorts of the Czech Republic,” held in Tashkent with the participation of representatives of government agencies, the diplomatic corps, leading Czech spa resorts and hotels, as well as Uzbek tour operators.

During the event, new tourism products of the Czech Republic were presented, and prospects for expanding cooperation in spa, medical, and wellness tourism were discussed. Special attention was paid to building long-term partnerships between tourism companies of both countries.

Additional momentum to cooperation was provided by the visit of a working group of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Prague, where negotiations were held with representatives of the Czech Ministry for Regional Development, relevant associations, and leading tourism companies. The meetings focused on expanding tourism exchange, developing institutional cooperation, and implementing joint tourism initiatives.

Despite positive dynamics, certain infrastructural limitations remain, in particular the absence of direct and more convenient air connections between cities of the two countries, which somewhat constrains further growth in tourist exchanges.

In the future, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic in tourism is expected to expand further. Growth in tourist flows, development of new routes, improved transport accessibility, and implementation of joint cultural and sustainable tourism projects are anticipated. All of this will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and make Uzbekistan an even more attractive destination for tourists from the Czech Republic.

 

Uzbekistan – Czech Republic: prospects for cooperation on the path to environmental sustainability

 

In conditions where modern environmental problems are acquiring a global character, cooperation between countries is becoming a decisive factor in ensuring sustainable development. In particular, challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss are transboundary in nature, and their effective resolution requires the exchange of international experience and advanced approaches. From this perspective, the development of cooperation between the Czech Republic and Uzbekistan in the field of ecology and environmental protection is one of the most pressing tasks.

Currently, the absence of an intergovernmental agreement in this area between the two countries indicates the need for the institutional strengthening of cooperation. This, in turn, requires proposing new initiatives and fully utilizing existing opportunities.

The Czech Republic is recognized as a country with extensive experience in the field of ecology, water resource management, and climate policy. In particular, its participation in international commissions for the protection of the Elbe, Danube, and Oder rivers is considered one of the effective examples of transboundary water resource management. For Uzbekistan, studying this experience is of great importance in solving problems of water shortage and environmental challenges.

Along with this, the practical experience of the Czech Republic in the field of biodiversity conservation and the management of protected natural areas deserves attention. About 15.9% of the country's territory consists of protected natural zones, a significant part of which has international significance. These include UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (6), Ramsar sites (12), as well as areas recognized by BirdLife International as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) (16). This testifies to an established system of a comprehensive approach to nature conservation and management in accordance with international standards.

The experience of the Czech Republic is also of particular value in the field of adaptation to climate change and mitigation of its negative consequences. The adaptation strategy adopted in 2015 and the national action plan developed in 2017 are aimed at ensuring the long-term environmental sustainability of the country. For Uzbekistan, the development of a scientifically sound policy and specific practical measures in this direction is also an important task.

Another important direction of environmental cooperation is the development of ecotourism. The Czech Republic actively cooperates in this area with international organizations, including IUCN, WWF, and UNEP. Ecotourism serves not only as a tool for nature conservation but also as an effective mechanism for economic development and employment generation.

In addition, strengthening cooperation in the field of science and education is of great importance. In particular, for the development of the "Green University" in Uzbekistan, it is advisable to establish cooperation with such reputable universities as Charles University, Masaryk University, and Czech Technical University in Prague, which will contribute to increasing scientific potential and training qualified personnel.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the development of environmental cooperation between the Czech Republic and Uzbekistan meets the interests of both parties and contributes to ensuring not only national but also regional environmental sustainability. In this context, the formation of a legal framework, the introduction of best practices, and the deepening of institutional interaction remain priority tasks.

Expanding Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic in the Transport and Logistics Sector

The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan views the development of cooperation with the Czech Republic as one of the strategic priorities for strengthening the country’s international transport and logistics integration.

Amid the transformation of global logistics chains and the growing importance of Eurasian transport corridors, cooperation with the Czech Republic is gaining practical value as a channel for accessing Central European markets, attracting advanced technologies, and developing sustainable transport solutions.

To date, a solid institutional and legal framework for cooperation has been established between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic. The intensification of intergovernmental dialogue, including the holding of the 10th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in Prague in 2025, has given new impetus to cooperation and allowed for a transition from discussion to the practical implementation of joint projects.

The transport agenda occupies a central place in bilateral relations. Cooperation covers road transport, the railway sector, civil aviation, and the digitalization of logistics processes. At the same time, there is a steady upward trend in freight traffic: by the end of the first quarter of 2026, the volume of freight traffic between the countries had increased by 76.6% compared to the same period last year.

The railway sector plays a central role in bilateral cooperation. Ahead of the anticipated visit of Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to Uzbekistan with a business delegation, Ambassador of the Czech Republic Lubomír Frebert proposed expanding cooperation with the Škoda Group regarding the supply of electric trains, and the establishment of a joint venture in Uzbekistan for the production and maintenance of rolling stock is also under discussion.

Negotiations are currently underway regarding the localization of certain components, the organization of a long-term service cycle, attracting investment, creating new jobs, and training local specialists, including an initiative to launch the “Škoda Academy” and cooperation with Tashkent State Transport University.

The signing on May 10, 2023, in Prague of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Enhanced Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Czech Republic marked an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations and signaled a transition to a more systematic and long-term format of cooperation. The document cemented the high level of political dialogue and gave additional impetus to practical cooperation between the countries.

The declaration outlines key areas for expanding the partnership, including trade, economic, investment, and industrial cooperation, as well as collaboration in transportation and logistics, energy, innovation, education, and other fields. Particular attention is paid to the development of transport connectivity, infrastructure modernization, and the introduction of modern technologies, which creates a foundation for the implementation of joint projects and the deepening of Uzbekistan’s integration into European and Eurasian transport corridors.

Expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic in the transport and logistics sector is a key element in implementing the country’s transport system development strategy. The established partnership framework, the existence of specific projects, and the mutual interest of the parties create a solid foundation for moving to a new stage – the comprehensive integration of technologies, infrastructure, and human capital.

Looking ahead, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic will develop with a focus on the practical implementation of joint initiatives and the scaling up of agreements already reached. Particular attention will be paid to improving the efficiency of transport corridors, simplifying transport procedures, and expanding business participation in bilateral projects.

Thus, a comprehensive model of cooperation is taking shape, combining infrastructure development, technological modernization, and workforce training. This will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also enhance Uzbekistan’s role as a reliable and competitive participant in the international transport and logistics system.