Published on 29 June 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Uzbekistan

Key elements of the good relations between Switzerland and Uzbekistan include cooperation within international financial institutions, collaboration under the SDC and SECO’s Regional Cooperation Programme for Central Asia for the period 2026–2029, and the restitution of assets seized in Switzerland as part of the criminal proceedings against Gulnara Karimova and her associates.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

Uzbekistan is a member of the Swiss voting constituency at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is also a member of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

As part of its development cooperation, Switzerland especially supports climate-resilient and efficient use of water resources, the improvement of water supply, and important reforms in vocational education and training, and promotes independent, local cultural activities.

World Bank

International Monetary Fund

Global Environment Facility

Treaty database

Economic cooperation

Around 40 companies with a connection to Switzerland are active in Uzbekistan. Trade between the two countries amounted in 2024 to 5.5 billion CHF and is characterised by imports of precious metals (gold) from Uzbekistan. Switzerland's main exports to Uzbekistan are chemicals and pharmaceuticals, machinery and precision instruments.

The Joint Chamber of Commerce Switzerland/CIS, the Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Uzbek Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry promote business relations between Switzerland and Uzbekistan.

In cooperation with Switzerland Global Enterprise, the Swiss Embassy in Uzbekistan has been organizing the “Swiss Days” as a platform for Swiss companies since 2022.

Trade Promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise

Joint Chamber of Commerce

Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Researchers from Uzbekistan can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to the State Secretariat for Education Research and Innovation (SERI).

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars, SERI

Young professionals (trainees), State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)

Peacebuilding and human security

Switzerland monitors the human rights situation in Uzbekistan and supports civil society organisations working to improve it.

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

Uzbekistan is a priority country for Swiss international cooperation. By 2029, CHF 18 million* will be allocated to the following areas:

  • Water and energy: Switzerland draws on its long-standing commitment, expertise and trusted partnerships to support water reforms, integrated water management and regional cooperation, whilst giving Central Asia a stronger voice in global climate and water processes.
  • Sustainable economic development: Switzerland supports ongoing reforms to mobilise domestic resources and private capital, to strengthen governance, and to ensure safe and regular labour migration.

The issues of good governance, human rights and gender equality are addressed at regional level.

*The budget figures are provisional and subject to the respective annual decisions of the Federal Council and the Swiss Parliament.

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan)

SECO Cooperation, Uzbekistan

SECO cooperation, Uzbekistan

Cultural exchanges

The Swiss Embassy in Tashkent takes part in joint projects with representations of other countries and cultural institutions based in Tashkent. These include events to promote the Swiss national languages (Francophonie, International German Teachers' Conference) and the International Jazz Festival.

Swiss citizens in Uzbekistan

According to the statistics on Swiss nationals abroad, 45 Swiss nationals were living in Uzbekistan at the end of 2025.

History of bilateral relations

Switzerland recognised Uzbekistan's independence on 23 December 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In 1994, Switzerland opened an embassy in Tashkent. In 2017 the embassy and the cooperation office were merged. Uzbekistan is represented in Switzerland by its embassy in Berlin and maintains a mission to the international organisations in Geneva.

Central Asia and the history of the Silk Road have have long held a special fascination for European travellers. One of the first Swiss nationals to travel the region was the Geneva author and journalist Ella Maillart (1903–97). Her book ‘Des Monts céléstes aux sables rouges’ published in 1934 was a major success and appeared in English in the same year with the title ‘Turkestan solo’.

Uzbekistan, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Diplomatic documents of Switzerland, Dodis
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