CIS Chief Calls Uzbekistan Key Driver of Commonwealth Growth

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan has become one of the main driving forces behind the development of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in recent years, substantially expanding its participation across all areas of cooperation, CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev said in an interview with Dunyo news agency.

Speaking ahead of the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence, Lebedev pointed to the country's growing economic indicators and its expanding role within the bloc.

Uzbekistan stood at the origins of the CIS by signing the Alma-Ata Declaration on 21 December 1991, joining the Agreement on the Creation of the CIS, and adopting its Charter. The country's engagement has accelerated over the past decade. In 2016, Uzbekistan participated in 29 key areas of cooperation, whereas today it active in 51 sectoral bodies. Representatives from Uzbekistan's relevant agencies participate in various capacities across all 66 areas of CIS activity.

Lebedev noted that Uzbekistan ranks second in population and third in economic size among CIS member states. The country's GDP grew by 7.7 percent last year and by 8.5 percent in the first half of 2026. Uzbekistan ranks second in the CIS in agricultural production behind Russia, and third in industrial output.

Over the past decade, Uzbekistan's total foreign trade turnover quadrupled from US$20 billion to US$81 billion. In 2025, CIS countries accounted for one-third of the republic's foreign trade, a share that rose to 37.8 percent in the first half of 2026. Russia and Kazakhstan remain among Uzbekistan's top three trading partners, with Russia serving as the largest destination for Uzbek exports, significantly ahead of China.

Uzbekistan's export volume to CIS countries has grown consistently, expanding by 4.1 percent in 2023, 11.9 percent in 2024, and 19.4 percent in 2025.

Lebedev emphasized that Uzbekistan actively contributes to shaping CIS initiatives regarding the digitalization of the economy, public administration, and social services. Key national initiatives include drafting a roadmap for special economic zones, establishing a CIS venture platform for startups, and creating an innovative development program for the region's energy sector.

In April 2026, on the initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the forum "Innovative Industry of the CIS: A New Model of Inter-State Cooperation" was held as part of the INNOPROM Central Asia industrial exhibition.

Interregional and diplomatic coordination have also expanded. In 2025, Tashkent hosted the first Forum of Regions of CIS Member States. At the international level, the UN General Assembly has adopted more than 10 resolutions proposed by Uzbekistan in recent years, including a July 2026 resolution on enhancing the role of parliaments in accelerating social development.

Cultural and youth exchanges remain prominent, including Samarkand's designation as the CIS Cultural Capital in 2024 and Tashkent's role as the CIS Youth Capital that same year. Uzbekistan currently chairs the CIS Advisory Council on Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Population.

Addressing security cooperation, Lebedev stated that Uzbekistan participates in the majority of CIS security programs, including the 2026–2030 border security program and the 2025–2027 de-radicalization program initiated by Tashkent.

Lebedev concluded that Uzbekistan approaches its 35th anniversary of independence with strong results across public life and positive perspectives for future growth, confirming the Commonwealth's readiness to further strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties.