Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have officially launched a series of joint initiatives valued at $1.3 billion (€1.18 billion), while reaffirming their ambitious goal to elevate annual bilateral trade to $10 billion (€8.6 billion) by the year 2030. These significant announcements were made during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to Uzbekistan, where he met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, ahead of the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of State set to occur this weekend in Tashkent.
Strengthening bilateral ties
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev declared, “Our relations have now reached the highest level—that of a strategic partnership and alliance.” His counterpart, President Tokayev, emphasized that “contrary to the speculations of so-called ‘experts,’ Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are by no means rivals or even competitors, but strategic partners, reliable allies, walking together along the path of progress and development.”
Both leaders participated in a virtual launch of seven major projects spanning various sectors, including industry, construction, petrochemicals, finance, logistics, and tourism. A highlight among these projects is the establishment of the “Central Asia” International Industrial Cooperation Centre, strategically located near the Atameken (Kazakhstan) and Gulistan (Uzbekistan) border crossings. This facility is expected to feature production sites, warehouses for goods, and advanced transport infrastructure, aimed at accelerating cargo deliveries and minimizing logistics expenses.
Economic integration and future prospects
In the course of their discussions, the leaders revealed that trade between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan had already reached $4 billion (over €3.4 billion) since the start of the year. Both nations have set their sights on achieving the $10 billion trade target by 2030. This ambitious goal is supported by increasing mutual supplies, diversifying trade structures, and enhancing industrial cooperation.
Furthermore, an Industrial Cooperation Program valued at over $8 billion (approximately €6.9 billion) is in development, which encompasses initiatives in chemical production, geology, infrastructure, logistics, agro-industry, and other key sectors. Transport connectivity and infrastructure improvements were also pivotal topics, with both leaders agreeing to strengthen transport corridors and upgrade border facilities. New routes, such as the Uchkuduq–Kyzylorda corridor, were discussed, alongside boosting freight traffic through the Aktau, Kuryk, and Khorgos ports.
Energy collaboration emerged as a crucial element of their partnership, with Presidents Mirziyoyev and Tokayev highlighting advancements in joint projects within both traditional and renewable energy sectors. They pledged continued cooperation in water management and environmental protection, vital areas for the sustainability of the broader Central Asian region.
President Mirziyoyev conferred upon President Tokayev the highest state award of Uzbekistan, the order “Oliy Darajali Dustlik” (“High-ranking Friendship”), which signifies mutual respect and acknowledgment of contributions to enhancing bilateral relations.
Additionally, the two leaders signed a comprehensive agreement regarding the joint management and utilization of transboundary water bodies, underscoring their commitment to cooperative environmental stewardship. Over the past year, a series of cultural events, including ballet performances, art exhibitions, and youth festivals, have significantly contributed to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between the nations.
As both countries look ahead, they expressed intentions to expand academic and scientific exchanges, develop tourism initiatives, and foster deeper collaboration among youth and creative organizations. The visit culminated in the signing of 17 bilateral documents addressing various sectors, including energy, geology, water management, customs coordination, healthcare, tourism, and youth collaboration, demonstrating a robust framework for future cooperation.
In a parallel development, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, who was in Uzbekistan for the upcoming consultative meeting. They discussed strategies to further enhance Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations, which have seen a 15 percent increase in trade turnover this year, alongside joint initiatives in the automotive, energy, and tourism sectors.