Uzbekistan, China intend to boost trade 40% to $20 bln annually
TASHKENT. Sept 2 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan and China plan to boost trade to $20 billion annually, the Uzbek president's press service said.
Trade between the countries was just over $14 billion last year, so it could grow about 40%.
"The task is to raise this figure to $20 billion through mutual supplies of industrial and agricultural goods," the press service said.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed deepening the Uzbek-Chinese partnership in various fields during a meeting in Beijing.
"They discussed deepening Uzbek-Chinese comprehensive strategic partnership relations and increasing practical cooperation," the press office said.
The two leaders said past years had seen a major breakthrough in the development of bilateral relations. "Particular satisfaction was expressed over the intensification of contacts at all levels, strengthening of political dialog and mutual support in key issues," it said.
The leaders said trade, economic, technological and financial-investment cooperation between the two countries was developing dynamically. The portfolio of investment projects exceeds $60 billion with 64 projects costing more than $10 billion launched in 2024.
A business forum took place on the eve of Mirziyoyev's visit. Promising projects in green energy and energy efficiency, modernization and digitalization of public transport, construction of toll roads, deep processing of critical minerals, as well as in chemicals, water management, agriculture, tourism and urban development were discussed.
Comprehensive partnerships are expanding with Eximbank, China Development Bank, Silk Road Fund and other institutions. "A proposal was made to establish an Uzbek-Chinese center for artificial intelligence development to promote innovative projects and train specialists," the press office said.
During the meeting there was also an exchange of views on international issues. The importance on continued coordination and mutual support within the UN, SCO, the "Central Asia - China" format, and other multilateral platforms, was stressed.
Mirziyoyev is in China on an official visit from August 30 to September 3 at the invitation of Xi Jinping. On Monday, he took part in a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of State Council in Tianjin. On the same day, he took part in "SCO Plus" the summit. His visit program for September 2 included meetings will be held with officials and heads of leading Chinese companies in addition to talks with Xi Jinping.
