Uzbekistan and China Accelerate Economic Partnership

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 15 April, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov held talks with Deputy Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China Ling Ji to discuss the implementation of high-level agreements and further expansion of bilateral cooperation.

The sides noted steady growth in economic relations. In 2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and China increased by 34%, reaching US$17.8 billion. It was also reported that the number of enterprises with Chinese capital operating in Uzbekistan reached 5,258.

The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization. In this regard, it was agreed to move meetings of the relevant working group to a quarterly basis.

During the talks, the parties agreed to accelerate the adoption of a new Economic Partnership Program and to advance initiatives under the “Digital Silk Road” framework.

Special attention was given to cooperation in the field of critical and “green” minerals, as well as financing from China’s Export-Import Bank for irrigation infrastructure modernization projects in Uzbekistan.

The meeting also highlighted preparations for upcoming international events, including a business forum in Hong Kong on May 6, the 8th Intergovernmental Committee meeting, and the Third Interregional Forum to be held in Xi’an on 20–22 May.