Opportunities for expanding economic partnership between Uzbekistan and China were discussed at the Uzbek-Chinese Business Forum held in Tashkent. According to Ilzat Kasimov, Deputy Minister of Investments of Uzbekistan, trade between the two countries grew by 34% in 2025, reaching $17.8 billion. Plans are underway to reach the $20 billion mark in the near future. China remains Uzbekistan's leading trade partner, surpassing Russia, reports Daryo.uz.
Chinese investment flows are also increasing: from $15.8 billion in 2024 to an expected $21 billion in 2026. As noted by Sarvar Otanazarov, a representative of the Central Bank, steady GDP growth to $147 billion and declining inflation to 7.3% create favorable conditions for implementing joint projects totaling $58.8 billion.
Key areas of cooperation include energy, chemical industry, mechanical engineering, textiles, logistics, IT, and the "green" economy. Special attention was given to the launch of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, spanning 454 km. The project will reduce cargo delivery times by 7–8 days and ensure an annual throughput capacity of up to 15 million tons.
The forum also addressed preparations for an international event in Xi'an (May 2026) and a proposal to establish an industrial zone called "Xi'an" in New Tashkent for companies from Shaanxi Province.
The parties identified five priority vectors for deepening cooperation: — Energy and mineral resources; — Mechanical engineering and electric vehicles; — Agriculture and agrotechnologies; — Infrastructure and construction; — Production of building materials.
Implementation of these areas will strengthen economic ties and ensure sustainable growth in bilateral cooperation.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 5, 2026