German Economy and Technology Minister Michael Glos, in the capital Tashkent as part of this diplomatic push, said he wanted to see more commitment to economic reform.

"We urge the Uzbek leadership to press ahead with its wide-ranging reforms although we do not plan to play the role of a mentor here," he told a business forum through an interpreter.

"More active steps to liberalise foreign trade is another of our wishes. Also, reducing bureaucracy and raising the level of judicial protection is another condition ... for investment."