Ethiopia and Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations in 1996. Over the years, bilateral ties have strengthened. However, there are still a lot of untapped opportunities within the bilateral relations between the nations and there is less awareness about Uzbekistan in Ethiopia. This article serves as an introduction to Uzbekistan and explores opportunities that could benefit both countries.
Uzbekistan is a Turkic nation located in Central Asia bordering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. If we break down the country’s name, “stan” means land, therefore Uzbekistan translates to “the land of Uzbeks.” Uzbekistan houses 37 million people and many ancient cities. Three of the most prominent being Samarkand (2800 years old), Karshi (2700 years old) and Bukhara (around 2000 years old). The nation’s rich history doesn’t stop with its architectural feats. Uzbekistan has a rich history of contributing to the world’s progress. We can recall famous historical figures Uzbekistan gave birth to. Muhammad al-Khorazmi, a famous mathematician, was born in ancient Khorezm. Khorazmi invented algebra, a fundamental math concept that is taught all over the world today, with the name “algebra” originating from the name of his book “al-jabr” (al jabr w’al muqabala). He also invented algorithms which would later lead to the invention of the computer and other modern technologies.
Another famous historical figure from the land of Uzbekistan is Ibn Sina. Ibn Sina is better known as Avicenna, and he is considered one of the founders of early medicine. Al-Biruni is another important scientist born in Beruni, Uzbekistan. Biruni used trigonometry to calculate the radius of the Earth using measurements of the height of a hill and measurement of the dip in the horizon from the top of that hill. His calculated radius for the Earth is 3928.77 miles. This was two percent higher than the actual mean radius of 3847.80 miles but was an achievement that bested many other contributions to science at the time. The list goes on as there are many other Uzbeks that contributed to the development of the world as we see it today.
There are various sectors Uzbekistan and Ethiopia can cooperate with and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Tourism is one of such sectors. Ethiopia, known for its fascinating nature and authentic culture, could be a new destination for travelers from Uzbekistan. Similarly, Uzbekistan’s Silk Road heritage, ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites could attract Ethiopian travelers.
Trade and Investment are also potential spheres to collaborate. Uzbekistan is famous for its agricultural products, cotton exports. When it comes to Ethiopia, the country is known for its coffee and different agricultural goods that could be exported to Central Asian markets.
In recent years, Uzbekistan developed itself as a top destination for investors. In the past seven years, Uzbekistan has successfully attracted over $78bn in foreign investments, with the adoption of a comprehensive law on public-private partnerships leading to the launch of more than 1,000 projects. There are also opportunities and tax benefits for foreign investors including Ethiopian entrepreneurs in the country.
There is also a room for partnership in education and culture. Uzbekistan hosts a lot of international festivals, such as “Sharq Taronalari Musical Festival” and “Kokand International Crafts Festivals”. These festivals could allow Ethiopian artists to showcase their works and find potential partners for collaboration.
In conclusion, while diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Uzbekistan have steadily grown since 1996, there remains significant untapped potential for deeper collaboration. By expanding partnerships in tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange, both nations stand to benefit economically and culturally.
