Uzbek President, Chinese Top Official Discuss Expanding Trade, Investment, and Cooperation

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has met with Premier of the Chinese State Council Li Qiang in Beijing to discuss expanding multifaceted cooperation, including trade, investment, and humanitarian initiatives.

At the start of the meeting, President Mirziyoyev congratulated the Chinese people on the 80th anniversary of Victory and on the successful hosting of the SCO summit in Tianjin, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Both sides noted that Uzbekistan-China relations have reached the level of a “comprehensive all-weather strategic partnership” and mature practical cooperation. Bilateral trade reached $14 billion in 2024, with potential to increase to $20 billion through higher supplies and a better balance of exports and imports.

Proposed initiatives include the creation of a Quantum Metrology Center and a Regional Industrial Standardization Center in Uzbekistan based on Chinese standards, as well as an Uzbek-Chinese Artificial Intelligence Development Center. The portfolio of joint projects is valued at over $60 billion.

A package of new projects was prepared in sectors including green energy, geology, chemical industry, rare-earth processing, coal chemistry, transport infrastructure modernization, agriculture, and agrivoltaics.

Special attention was given to collaboration with leading Chinese financial institutions and joint efforts in poverty reduction. Among strategic initiatives is the construction of the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China railway with participation from Uzbek contractors.

In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, the sides signed an agreement on mutual cultural centers, discussed expanding educational initiatives including the second Education Forum in Uzbekistan, and the establishment of “Lu Ban Workshops.” President Mirziyoyev also highlighted the work of Confucius Institutes in Tashkent and Samarkand and called for expanding air links and tourism exchanges.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Mirziyoyev invited Premier Li Qiang to visit Uzbekistan on an official visit.