Uzbekistan, China planning to sign $20 billion in agreements during Mirziyoyev's visit to Beijing
TASHKENT. May 10 (Interfax) - About 100 agreements totaling $20 billion are expected to be signed during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's three-day state visit to China that will begin on Thursday, Uzbek presidential spokesperson Asad Khodzhayev told reporters on Wednesday.
Referring to these figures, he noted that they are based on available preliminary information.
Mirziyoyev's meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang, Chairman of the National People's Congress Zhang Dejiang and other leaders of the country are planned during the visit, he said. The current state of bilateral relations in the fields of trade and investments are the main issues to be discussed. The sides will also consider a number of security issues and those related to cooperation in the culture and humanitarian field.
Relations with China, in general, are actively developing, Khodzhayev said. Goods turnover totaled $4.2 billion last year. The republic attracted investment loans and various direct investments from China in the amount of $8 billion.
Following the president's visit to China, Uzbekistan intends to attract concessional investments and open new lines of credit to fund the development of the economy's primary branches, the main priority among which is development of infrastructure, industry, the republic's active involvement in the transport and communication projects implemented in the region, Khodzhayev said.
"The state visit is timed to coincide with the One Belt One Road forum. It's a large forum held by China. It unites over 100 states and international organizations. We have information that the head of over than 40 states are attending this forum to discuss the issues of trade and economic, and social and humanitarian nature. Uzbekistan is planning to actively participate in this forum," he said.
The One Belt One Road high-level forum will be held in Beijing on May 14-15.