Uzbekistan and Belarus aim to double bilateral trade to $2 billion

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the multifaceted partnership between Uzbekistan and Belarus during talks held in both narrow and expanded formats with members of their official delegations.

Photo: Presidential press service

Opening the meeting, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said Uzbek–Belarusian relations had reached a qualitatively new level in recent years.

The two leaders noted that extensive preparations had preceded the visit, including meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, the Business Council, political consultations, discussions between analytical institutions, Uzbekistan's Culture Days in Belarus, and a series of other bilateral events.

The presidents welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade. Trade turnover has nearly tripled over the past five years, reaching almost $1 billion last year. Since the beginning of this year, bilateral trade has increased by a further 30%. They also noted that 360 joint ventures are currently operating between the two countries.

Mirziyoyev and Lukashenko welcomed the adoption of a new action plan designed to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion. The document also provides for new industrial cooperation projects in agriculture, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, light industry, furniture manufacturing, and other sectors.

The leaders also expressed interest in exchanging experience in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the development of related infrastructure.

They praised the outcomes of the third Uzbekistan – Belarus Regions Forum, held in Minsk the previous day, which resulted in the signing of a substantial package of trade contracts and investment agreements.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued mutual support within international organizations, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

The presidents also emphasized the importance of expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Mirziyoyev thanked Lukashenko for initiating the creation of an Uzbekistan – Belarus Friendship Alley in Minsk.

The two countries also agreed to organize joint tourism, healthcare, and education forums before the end of this year.

During the meeting, the co-chairs of the joint Intergovernmental Commission presented reports outlining specific proposals for advancing the bilateral agenda.

At the conclusion of the talks, Mirziyoyev invited Lukashenko to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan.