Objectives and Prospects in Central Asia-EU Connectivity: Challenges and New Developments

On behalf of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, Centre for EU-Asia Connectivity (CEAC), you are cordially invited to participate in the upcoming lecture on “Objectives and Prospects in Central Asia-EU Connectivity: Challenges and New Developments” organised by the Department of International Political Economy of East Asia, Faculty of East Asian Studies, Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

The lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr. Akbar Ismanjanov, Head of Law Department at Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) and Jean Monnet Chair of the Central Asian Centre for European Trade Law (CACETL), funded by the European Commission. Prof. Ismanjanov teaches EU Trade Relations, Foreign Investment Law, Property Law, IP Law, and Internet Law. He is a contributor to Wolters Kluwer Encyclopaedia of IP Law for Uzbekistan. His research interests cover e-commerce and copyright digital media with a special focus on the EU Digital Single Market.

Prof. Ismanjanov’s lecture addressed the European Union and Uzbekistan trade relations, evident through extended GSP+ benefits and EU support during Uzbekistan’s WTO accession. Collaboration expands beyond trade to connectivity aspects like broadband expansion, education, and tourism. Enhanced connectivity serves as a key objective, fostering multiplier effects across various sectors. The promotion of the Trans-Caspian corridor, in contrast to conventional South-North routes, could mutually boost economies. EU expectations focus on investment, technology transfer, and outsourcing manufacturing to Uzbekistan, benefiting EU firms entering the emerging regional market. Aligning with sustainability goals, such as the green economy and renewable energy, is crucial to tackle regional environmental challenges.

Agenda

10:00 A.M. Moderator:

• Prof. Dr. Sebastian Bersick, Executive Director of the Centre for EU-Asia Connectivity (CEAC), Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, Vice-Dean, Jean Monnet Chair, and Head of Department, International Political Economy of East Asia, Faculty of East Asian Studies, Ruhr-Universität Bochum

10:10 – 10:30 A.M. Speaker:

• Prof. Dr. Akbar Ismanjanov, Head of Law Department at Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT)

10:30 – 11:00 A.M. Q&A Session