Uzbekistan and China set $20B trade goal, deepen energy and education ties

The discussions focused on further strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and China under all circumstances and expanding practical cooperation.

At the beginning of the meeting, the President of Uzbekistan congratulated the Chinese leader and the friendly people of China on the 80th anniversary of the Victory and the successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin.

President Mirziyoyev once again stressed the importance and timeliness of Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative.

The two leaders noted that significant progress has been made in bilateral relations in recent years. It was emphasized that contacts at all levels are intensifying, political dialogue is strengthening, and both sides are supporting each other on key issues.

Uzbekistan reaffirmed its unchanged position on supporting the “One China” policy and in combating the “three evil forces” – terrorism, extremism, and separatism.

Trade, economic, technological, and financial–investment cooperation is growing rapidly. Last year, bilateral trade exceeded $14 billion, and since the beginning of this year it has grown by another 23 percent. The two countries aim to raise this figure to $20 billion by expanding deliveries of industrial and agricultural products.

The portfolio of investment projects exceeds $60 billion. In 2024 alone, 64 projects worth over $10 billion were launched. Joint technoparks and special industrial zones are operating in Uzbekistan, while production of BYD electric vehicles is expanding and the level of localization is increasing.

On the eve of the visit, a business forum was successfully held. Promising projects were developed in green energy and energy efficiency, modernization and digitalization of public transport, construction of toll highways, deep processing of critical minerals, as well as in the chemical industry, water management, agriculture, tourism, and urban development.

Partnership with the Export–Import Bank of China (Eximbank), the China Development Bank, the Silk Road Fund, and other institutions is expanding. With the support of Eximbank, an Olympic village was recently completed in Tashkent.

The intensification of interregional exchanges was praised. It was noted that Uzbekistan will continue to receive expert assistance from China in implementing joint measures to eliminate poverty, based on China’s own experience.

A proposal was made to establish an Uzbekistan – China Center for Artificial Intelligence Development to promote innovative projects and train specialists.

The leaders noted the start of the practical stage of constructing the strategic “China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan” railway.

They emphasized the need to expand cooperation in science, medicine, education, and tourism. A branch of Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University and an International Mathematics Center have opened in Uzbekistan. An agreement has been signed to open a branch of Xi’an Petroleum University, and plans are underway to establish a branch of Beijing Institute of Technology.

This year, Uzbekistan will host the second education forum. The two sides supported expanding opportunities for studying the Chinese language, increasing quotas for Uzbek students, and further developing the activities of Confucius Institutes.

Plans also include establishing Uzbekistan – China “Lu Ban Workshops” in the country’s regions to train specialists in energy, engineering, artificial intelligence, medicine, and agriculture.

To boost tourist exchanges, the number of flights between the two countries is being increased, and a visa-free regime has been introduced.

Uzbekistan is also participating in a major exhibition at the National Museum of China. Art exhibitions are planned in Shanghai and Beijing in 2027.

A historic agreement on opening mutual cultural centers will also be signed during the visit.

The two leaders also exchanged views on international issues. They emphasized the importance of continuing coordination and mutual support within the United Nations, SCO, the “Central Asia – China” format, and other multilateral structures.

At the end of the talks, the President of Uzbekistan invited the Chinese leader to visit Uzbekistan.