As of the end of 2023, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and China reached $14 billion. In the near future, this figure is planned to be increased to $20 billion, Podrobno.uz reports.
During a working visit to Astana on July 3rd, negotiations were held between the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the leader of China, Xi Jinping. The leaders of both countries noted significant progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation over the past years.
The current portfolio of investment projects between the countries exceeds $50 billion. Since the beginning of the year, over $3 billion of Chinese investments have been utilized in Uzbekistan, leading to the establishment of more than 500 new joint ventures.
An agreement was reached to accelerate the adoption of strategic cooperation programs in infrastructure, industrial cooperation, agriculture, and "green" energy.
Particular mention was made of the opening of the Uzbek-Chinese technopark and the first BYD electric vehicle production facility in the region, located in the Jizzakh region. Partnership with leading Chinese financial institutions is also expanding. Together with the Silk Road Fund, an investment platform has been established, and with the assistance of the Export-Import Bank of China, construction of the Olympic Village in Tashkent is nearing completion. The opening of a regional branch of the Export-Import Bank of China in Tashkent is expected soon.
The negotiations also touched upon the intensification of interregional exchanges.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude to Xi Jinping for support in poverty alleviation efforts and proposed to adopt a long-term program for exchanging experiences in this area.
The importance of starting construction soon on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway was emphasized, which holds strategic significance for enhancing transport connectivity and regional development within the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its unwavering position in support of the "One China" policy and the fight against the "three forces of evil". Both sides agreed to continue close cooperation within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the "Central Asia-China" format, and other international and regional structures.
CentralasianLIGHT.org,
July 3, 2024