China and Uzbekistan have solidified their bilateral cooperation, focusing on infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and trade, following Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Uzbekistan. During his two-day stay in Tashkent, Premier Li engaged in discussions with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, resulting in multiple agreements across various sectors including trade, education, and healthcare.
A pivotal aspect of these talks was the commitment to advance the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which aims to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth. This project is seen as a priority for both nations, reflecting their shared interest in boosting infrastructure development. In addition, China expressed its intent to encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Uzbekistan, while Uzbekistan committed to providing a conducive business environment.
The agreements also extend to deeper cooperation in energy, mineral resources, modern agriculture, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and environmental protection. China has shown interest in importing high-quality products from Uzbekistan and urged the central Asian nation to increase its market access to China.
China remains Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $16.1 billion last year—a 17.9 percent increase from the previous year. This economic relationship continues to grow as both countries work towards enhancing political trust, expanding investment, and fostering cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of coordinating on regional and international issues, further developing their strategic partnership. This visit not only strengthens existing ties but also paves the way for future collaborations between China and Uzbekistan across a broad spectrum of sectors.