Russian PM calls for multiple increase in trade with Uzbekistan by 2030

MOSCOW. April 13 (Interfax) - Russia and Uzbekistan should aim for a multiple increase in bilateral trade by 2030, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

"Russia is listed among the leaders in foreign trade with Uzbekistan, as bilateral trade grew practically 12.5% last year and has now reached nearly 1 trillion rubles. As agreed by the heads of state, we must aim for a multiple increase of this indicator by 2030. I believe that we have what we need to achieve this goal," Mishustin said at a meeting of the Russian-Uzbek Joint Commission on the level of prime ministers on Monday.

Energy is viewed as the key area for closer cooperation, Mishustin said, adding that Russia had started building an integrated nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan based on Russian blueprints.

"Obviously, the implementation of this major initiative will give a fresh impetus to the economy and social sector of Uzbekistan and will guarantee nuclear energy supply to the population and business for decades," he said.

Cooperation is also actively developing in the fuel sector, Mishustin said.

"An agreement has been reached to continue and increase Russian oil and gas supply. Specialists from Russia are helping drill new wells, upgrade the refinery network and the gas transmission infrastructure on Uzbek territory," he said.

About 150 investment projects totaling more than 4 trillion rubles are being implemented in Uzbekistan, Mishustin said. "Two industrial parks are operating in the republic with Russia taking part," he said.

In turn, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov said at the beginning of the meeting that Uzbek-Russian comprehensive strategic partnership and cooperation had reached a brand new level.

"In the past five years, bilateral trade had doubled and, as you have pointed out, topped $13 billion in 2025. To our knowledge, these positive dynamics continue this year, with trade growing another 30% in the first two months of this year," Aripov said.

Seeking to increase bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030, Russia and Uzbekistan are substantially widening the range of mutual supplies, with products with a high added value above all, Aripov said.

The meeting concluded with the two heads of government signing a joint communique on the results of the sixth meeting of the Joint Commission.