Shavkat Mirziyoyev holds talks with Chinese premier Li Qiang

The discussions focused on further expanding multifaceted practical cooperation, particularly in trade, economy, finance, investment, and humanitarian spheres.

At the beginning of the meeting, the head of state congratulated the Chinese premier and the people of China on the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and on the successful holding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin.

It was emphasized that thanks to the political will and joint efforts of the leaders of the two countries, Uzbekistan–China relations have reached the level of strategic partnership and comprehensive “mature” cooperation in the new era under all circumstances.

Last year, bilateral trade turnover reached $14 billion and continues to grow steadily. It was noted that there is potential to increase this figure to $20 billion by expanding supplies and ensuring a balance between exports and imports.

To this end, proposals were made to establish a joint Quantum Metrology Center and a Regional Center for Industrial Standardization in Uzbekistan to harmonize standards and certify products in line with Chinese requirements.

The portfolio of joint projects exceeds $60 billion.

Ahead of this visit, new project proposals were prepared in the fields of green energy, geology, chemistry, deep processing of rare metals, coal chemistry, modernization and digitalization of transport infrastructure, agriculture and water management, seed production, and agrivoltaics.

To promote research and promising startups, the establishment of an Uzbekistan–China Artificial Intelligence Development Center was proposed.

The parties also reviewed opportunities for expanding practical cooperation with China’s leading banking and financial institutions.

The special subcommittee meeting on poverty reduction and the results of the second Regional Forum, held this year in Uzbekistan, were highly praised.

Practical work is underway on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan strategic railway construction project, involving Uzbek contractors.

During this visit, an agreement was signed on the reciprocal opening of cultural centers.

This year, Uzbekistan will host the second Education Forum. For the first time, the Vocational Education Forum was held in Chongqing, where the “Uzbekistan–China Alliance” was established in this field. “Luban workshops” will also open in regions of Uzbekistan.

The effective activities of Confucius Institutes in Tashkent and Samarkand were highlighted.

The sides noted the importance of further increasing the number of flights and intensifying tourist exchanges.

At the end of the meeting, the president invited the Premier of the State Council of China to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan.