Uzbekistan Expands Ties With Tajikistan, Bangladesh

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan is expanding trade, investment and digital cooperation with several countries and international companies as it seeks to advance new economic and technology projects.

Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev announced the initiatives following a series of meetings held on May 5 on the sidelines of the 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank’s Board of Governors in Samarkand.

During talks with Tajikistan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Hokim Hikmatullo Kholikzoda, the parties discussed increasing bilateral trade, removing non-tariff barriers and advancing joint investment initiatives.

Officials noted that 386 enterprises with Tajik capital currently operate in Uzbekistan, while 116 companies involving Uzbek investors are active in Tajikistan. Investment inflows from Tajikistan totaled US$242.3 million in 2025.

Particular attention was given to the joint investment company, whose portfolio includes 20 projects worth US$48 million, along with another 17 prospective initiatives valued at US$65 million.

A separate round of talks was held with Bangladesh Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. The discussions focused on strengthening the legal framework for cooperation, expanding bilateral trade and preparations for the fourth session of the intergovernmental commission, which is scheduled to take place in Tashkent.

According to figures presented during the meeting, bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$63.5 million in 2025, while 17 enterprises with Bangladeshi capital currently operate in Uzbekistan. Promising areas for cooperation include the textile industry, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, services and investment.

As part of the digital agenda, Khodjaev also met with Mastercard Chief Services Officer Craig Vosburg.

The discussions focused on cooperation under the Digital Uzbekistan 2030 strategy, including modernization of payment infrastructure, development of e-commerce, educational initiatives and expansion of the company’s presence in Tashkent.

Officials noted that the Start Path Small Business support program currently covers more than 200,000 enterprises, while over 2,000 small and medium-sized business representatives have completed training through the joint E-Commerce School initiative.

Following the meetings, the Uzbek side expressed readiness to deepen partnerships in digital public services, e-commerce, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, tourism and sustainable economic development.