Uzbekistan, UAE Discuss Expansion of Economic Partnership

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A meeting was held in Abu Dhabi between Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who plays an active role in developing the country’s economic potential.

According to the Uzbek side, meetings at this level take on particular significance when political dialogue is accompanied by large-scale practical cooperation.

This refers to ongoing projects and a joint investment portfolio between Uzbekistan and the UAE, comprising around 100 initiatives with a total value exceeding US$20 billion, as well as new areas capable of further expanding economic partnership.

During the talks, the sides reviewed the current state and prospects of strategic cooperation, with a focus on ongoing projects. Among them is the construction of a women’s and children’s hospital in Nukus with support from the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation.

The main construction phase of the facility has already been completed, and commissioning is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The project for the construction of a new building of the National Archives of Uzbekistan was also discussed.

Special attention was paid to the development of Islamic finance in Uzbekistan as one of the new areas of cooperation.

It was noted that in March 2026 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the Law on Islamic Banking, which will enter into force on June 29, 2026, establishing a legal framework for Sharia-compliant financial activities in the country.

The sides also discussed projects aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and developing transport and logistics routes. In particular, discussions covered the development of the Navoi logistics platform in cooperation with AD Ports as an intermodal hub, as well as the Trans-Afghan railway project.

UAE participation and involvement of Etihad Rail are seen as important factors in the project’s implementation, given their experience in railway and logistics infrastructure. The corridor is expected to provide Central Asia with direct access to Pakistani seaports and enhance regional trade and integration.

Within the framework of Uzbekistan’s WTO accession process, the importance of advancing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Uzbekistan and the UAE was emphasized.

In addition, initiatives were discussed to hold Investopia Global – Tashkent Edition within the framework of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, as well as a proposal to create a “UAE Avenue” in New Tashkent as a symbol of bilateral partnership.

Overall, the UAE remains one of Uzbekistan’s key strategic partners in the Middle East. It is expected that the achieved agreements and high level of trust will further expand investment cooperation and support the implementation of long-term joint projects.