Tuscany Region strenghtens its ties with Uzbekistan: a first cooperation agreement signed in Bukhara covering tourism, fashion, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals

Translation of the Press Release of the Tuscany Region

BUKHARA (UZBEKISTAN) – New and important synergies along the Italy–Uzbekistan axis. As part of the institutional mission to the Central Asian country, the President of the Tuscany Region, Eugenio Giani, signed in Bukhara a strategic memorandum of understanding with the Governor of the Bukhara Region, Botir Zaripov. The act aims to consolidate and develop bilateral relations between the two territories, paving the way for strong and fruitful cooperation in key sectors of the economy, science, and culture.

At the centre of the talks and of the agreement signed are several shared strategic assets:

Tourism and Cultural Heritage: the enhancement of historical heritage and the promotion of reciprocal tourist flows, combining Tuscany’s experience in the management and protection of artistic assets with Bukhara’s extraordinary monumental richness.

Fashion, Textiles and Manufacturing: the development of commercial and production partnerships in the fashion sector, a global excellence for Tuscany and rapidly expanding in the Uzbek market.

Agriculture and Agri‑food: cooperation in the innovation of agricultural supply chains, agro‑technology, and the valorisation of local products, areas that are central to the economy of both regions.

Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences: industrial and scientific collaboration in a sector in which Tuscany boasts one of the most advanced clusters internationally and Uzbekistan is launching important technological development plans.

Affinities, common traits and professional training
In addition to the economic pillars, the meeting between President Giani and Governor Zaripov highlighted a deep harmony based on historical elements and shared identity. Bukhara and Tuscany recognise each other as cradles of civilisation, where art and the land have shaped the territory. A strong point of contact is represented by the centuries‑old tradition of high craftsmanship and agricultural culture.

In this context, professional training becomes the true engine of the agreement: the prospect is to activate exchange and specialisation programmes that connect the Tuscan training and university system with the centres of Bukhara. The goal is to train new skills both in the traditional sectors of design, fashion and heritage conservation, and in high‑tech fields linked to modern agricultural techniques and pharmaceutical research.

The political‑institutional relevance of the meeting was underlined by the presence of senior diplomatic authorities. The signing ceremony and technical discussions were attended by the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Italy, Abat Fayzullaev, and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tuscany, Leonardo Comucci, who facilitated and supported the creation of this new bridge of collaboration between the two regional realities.

Special attention will also be devoted to the wine sector and to the mutual importance of cooperating in this field. President Giani stated that this is not just a formal document, but the beginning of a concrete path. Tuscany and Bukhara share a profound cultural identity, UNESCO world heritage status, and an important manufacturing and agricultural tradition. By combining our expertise and strongly focusing on the professional training of young people, on fashion, agriculture and pharmaceuticals, we can create extraordinary growth opportunities for our businesses and our communities.

With the signing of this protocol, Tuscany and Bukhara officially inaugurate a season of bilateral cooperation aimed at promoting business missions, academic exchanges and joint investments in the near future.