China and Uzbekistan have committed to strengthening their cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and trade, following Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit to Uzbekistan. During his two-day stay in Tashkent, Li engaged in discussions with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, resulting in several bilateral agreements.
A significant focus of these agreements is the advancement of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. Both nations view this initiative as crucial for enhancing regional connectivity and bolstering economic development. In addition, China is encouraging its companies to invest more in Uzbekistan, while the Uzbek government is committed to providing a favorable business environment for these investments.
The agreements also cover a wide range of areas, including trade, education, healthcare, customs, e-commerce, climate, media, and poverty reduction. Both countries have emphasized the importance of cooperation in energy, mineral resources, modern agriculture, digital technology, and environmental protection. Furthermore, China has shown interest in importing more high-quality Uzbek products and has invited Uzbekistan to expand its market presence in China.
Bilateral trade between China and Uzbekistan reached $16.1 billion last year, marking a 17.9 percent increase from the previous year, further solidifying China’s position as Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner. The leaders of both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing political trust, increasing investment, and promoting cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges.
Additionally, they pledged to improve coordination on regional and international affairs and to further develop their strategic partnership. This visit and the resulting agreements underscore the growing ties between China and Uzbekistan, as both countries seek to leverage each other’s strengths for mutual benefit.