Mirziyoyev and Xi Jinping Set New Goals for Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed further expanding bilateral cooperation during talks in Bishkek on 31 August, held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, the Uzbek presidential press service said.

At the start of the meeting, Mirziyoyev thanked Xi for his congratulations on Uzbekistan’s 35th anniversary of independence and for his personal contribution to developing multifaceted Uzbek-Chinese relations.

The two countries will mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. In this connection, the sides proposed preparing a programme of events dedicated to the anniversary.

The leaders noted that relations between Uzbekistan and China had reached a qualitatively new level in recent years, with political dialogue, trade and economic ties, investment cooperation, technological partnerships and cultural and humanitarian exchanges expanding.

The sides supported continuing the Strategic Dialogue between their foreign ministries and further developing interparliamentary contacts. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its consistent support for the one-China policy and its continued fight against the “three evil forces.”

Trade and economic cooperation was a central topic of the talks. Bilateral trade turnover approached US$18 billion in 2025. The sides expressed confidence that the figure would continue to grow and proposed setting a new target of US$30 billion in the coming years.

To achieve this goal, the countries plan to expand mutual supplies of industrial and agricultural products and increase the participation of Uzbek companies in trade exhibitions in China.

The portfolio of ongoing joint investment projects is estimated at about US$60 billion. More than 6,000 enterprises with Chinese capital are operating in Uzbekistan.

Industrial cooperation has been identified as a priority in energy, chemicals, metallurgy, construction and food production, transport and infrastructure, agriculture and high technologies. Additional growth opportunities were identified in the digital economy, mining, and the development and processing of mineral resources.

The sides highlighted cooperation with BYD in electric vehicle production as an example of technological partnership. They supported plans to increase production capacity and raise the level of localization. Chinese companies were also invited to take a more active role in establishing enterprises based in joint industrial zones in Uzbekistan’s regions.

Cooperation with Chinese financial institutions was also discussed. Uzbekistan is interested in expanding ties with leading Chinese financial organizations and increasing their presence in the local market.

The sides positively assessed cooperation in the energy sector. Uzbekistan is interested in developing partnerships in traditional and alternative energy and attracting Chinese companies to peaceful nuclear energy projects.

Interregional ties are also continuing to develop. All regions of Uzbekistan cooperate with Chinese provinces and are implementing joint projects. The third Regions Forum was held in Xi’an in May.

Transport connectivity was another major topic. Construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is continuing. The sides expressed confidence that once completed, the project would become an important element of Eurasia’s transport architecture and strengthen connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The leaders also discussed expanding tourism and humanitarian exchanges. A visa-free regime is in place between the two countries, while the sides are considering expanding the geography of air links and increasing flight frequencies.

In the cultural sphere, work is continuing to establish Uzbek and Chinese Cultural Centres. Uzbekistan’s Culture Days are planned to be held in China by the end of 2026. The sides also proposed adopting a programme of cultural events for 2027-2029.

Science, education and personnel training received particular attention. The countries plan to continue developing Luban Workshops and Confucius Institutes and expand joint educational projects in the regions. Uzbekistan is interested in increasing the number of people studying Chinese, developing inter-university programmes and expanding quotas for Uzbek youth to study in China.

Space exploration was also identified as a promising area of cooperation.

The sides further discussed deepening regional cooperation under the China-Central Asia format and preparations for the third summit of the format, which is planned to be held in China in 2027.

At the end of the meeting, Mirziyoyev invited Xi to visit Uzbekistan. The talks were held in a trusting, open and friendly atmosphere.