Uzbekistan and Russia Discuss Expanding Bilateral Trade

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 13 March, the fifth meeting of the working group on expanding trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Russia was held under the co-chairmanship of Laziz Kudratov and Maxim Reshetnikov.

According to the meeting participants, bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Russia reached US$13 billion in 2025, marking an increase of 8.4%. Exports of Uzbek products grew by 12.2% to US$4.4 billion. Positive dynamics have continued in early 2026: in January, trade turnover rose by 37% to US$1.1 billion, exceeding the figure for the same period last year by US$293.1 million.

During the session, the parties reviewed key issues related to trade and economic cooperation, including collaboration in industry, energy, and agriculture. Additional measures aimed at expanding partnership and significantly increasing trade volumes by 2030 were also discussed.

Reshetnikov noted that overall trade turnover between the two countries increased by 12.4% in 2025. Exports from Russia grew by 11.6%, while imports from Uzbekistan rose by 14%. Supplies of mineral products from Russia increased by 7.8%. Exports of metals and metal products, mainly iron and steel rolled products, grew by 13.7%. Chemical industry products expanded by 23.4%, including plastics and pharmaceuticals. Deliveries of timber and pulp-and-paper products, particularly pine lumber, also increased.

Uzbekistan significantly expanded exports of food and agricultural products to Russia, which rose by nearly one-third. Growth was driven by shipments of nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Exports of textile products, clothing, cotton, and copper also increased.

Kudratov emphasized that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia is developing within the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership and allied relations. He noted that Russia’s share in Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade turnover reached 16.6%, making it the country’s second-largest trading partner.

Uzbek companies continue to actively promote their products in the Russian market. In 2025, more than 100 entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan participated in 24 international exhibitions and trade fairs in Russia, including WorldFood Moscow and Intertkan.

Joint logistics infrastructure is also expanding. Construction of an agro-industrial complex covering 20 hectares with investments exceeding 2 billion rubles is underway in Republic of Bashkortostan. In Novosibirsk Region, the second phase of the “Asia–Siberia” project worth 3.4 billion rubles is being implemented. Meanwhile, a trade house of Ferghana Region has begun operating in Omsk Region.

Special attention was also given to educational cooperation. Participants noted progress in the project to establish a branch of the Russian Foreign Trade Academy in Tashkent aimed at training specialists in international trade. According to Reshetnikov, preparations for opening the branch are at the final stage.

He thanked the Uzbek side for allocating a building for the educational process and noted that renovation works are expected to be completed this year. The academy’s branch is expected to begin operations in 2026, allowing students to start their studies.

The meeting also addressed energy and industrial raw material supplies, mutual recognition of product labeling systems, and the implementation of joint investment projects, including the production of analog insulins.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to accelerate the implementation of the agreements reached and continue regular cooperation at the level of relevant ministries and agencies, noting that the achieved results create a foundation for further sustainable growth in bilateral trade.