Uzbekistan and Russia Expand Trade-Economic Cooperation and Joint Projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A press conference was held at the Sputnik Uzbekistan multimedia center by Konstantin Zlygostev, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in Uzbekistan, focusing on the results of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries in 2025 and priority areas for 2026.

According to Zlygostev, despite ongoing global economic turbulence, Russia–Uzbekistan trade and economic ties are showing stable growth and moving to a qualitatively new level. Over the past three to five years, the volume of bilateral trade has increased by approximately 20%, while the number of joint projects continues to grow steadily.

He emphasized that the nature of bilateral engagement is gradually transforming: the focus is shifting from traditional trade operations toward deeper industrial cooperation, technological exchange, and joint training of skilled personnel.

The press conference highlighted the development of digital cooperation. Against the backdrop of rapid growth in Uzbekistan’s IT sector, Russia is ready to offer a wide range of digital solutions. In particular, Russian companies have recently established a leading position in cybersecurity, and these technologies are already in demand in both the public and private sectors of Uzbekistan.

Industrial cooperation is also actively developing. The Republic of Bashkortostan is working on a project to create an industrial park in Bekabad, and Russian-Uzbek technoparks are planned for Bukhara and Navoi regions. Cooperation is mutually beneficial: in April 2025, the first phase of the Fergana wholesale-distribution logistics center was commissioned in the Omsk region of Russia.

Significant attention was given to the development of transport and logistics infrastructure. According to Zlygostev, Russia and Uzbekistan need to create a more stable, predictable, and less externally dependent logistics system. Priority areas include the development of multimodal transport, digitalization of customs procedures, establishment of new logistics centers, warehouse complexes, and distribution hubs. Particular emphasis is placed on the “North–South” transport corridor, strengthening routes through Kazakhstan, developing multimodal logistics based on new centers in Uzbekistan, and exploring prospects for the Trans-Afghan transport corridor.

During the conference, Zlygostev also commented on potential benefits for Uzbekistan in the event of joining the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Membership would provide access to a common market of approximately 180 million people, reduce tariff barriers, unify technical and trade standards, and stimulate investment in joint projects.

In addition, logistics would be significantly simplified: Uzbek goods could move through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan without additional procedures, facilitating faster and more efficient trade.