The first freight train on the new Tianjin-Tashkent route route has departed, marking a step in Uzbekistan’s expanding trade connectivity with China. According to Uzbekistan Railways, the launch establishes a direct rail link between the Uzbek capital and Tianjin Port — one of China's largest and most advanced seaports.
Tianjin Port maintains trade relations with over 400 ports in 180 countries, and the new railway corridor promises to reduce the cargo transportation distance by 800 kilometers, shorten delivery times, and lower logistical costs. Officials say this development will enhance Uzbekistan's export-import potential and attract more international businesses to use the route.
The railway milestone comes amid a wave of online speculation about the alleged "occupation" of Uzbek lands by Chinese companies. In response, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade Ilzat Kasimov clarified that these reports are baseless and misrepresent the nature of foreign investment in Uzbekistan.
Attracting foreign investment is vital to Uzbekistan’s long-term economic growth. As global competition for capital intensifies, the country remains committed to fostering an open, transparent, and level playing field for all investors.
China remains one of Uzbekistan’s key investment partners, but not the only one. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Russia, France, Germany, South Korea, and Japan also contribute significantly to the national economy.
Investment Data Shows Diverse Focus
Data from the last three years reveal that:
- 62% of Chinese investment has gone to industry;
- 11% to the fuel and energy sector;
- 4% to agriculture;
- The rest is distributed across other sectors.
Officials emphasized that Chinese investment in land and agriculture is minimal and tightly regulated. Foreign ownership of land is prohibited in Uzbekistan; it can only be leased for up to 25 years via open auctions.
Textile Industry Showcases Successful Foreign Investment Model
In the textile sector, only 57 out of 7,600 enterprises involve Chinese capital, highlighting that China’s presence is relatively limited. Meanwhile, in the automotive sector, Chinese carmaker BYD has built a plant in the Jizzakh region, employing 1,500 workers — the vast majority of them Uzbek citizens. Over 200 specialists will undergo training in China in 2024.
China is also a key partner in Uzbekistan’s green energy ambitions. More than 20 renewable energy projects worth $9bn are being implemented with Chinese involvement, focusing on solar and wind energy, and largely staffed by local experts.
Recent rumors that 31 mines in Navoi were sold to Chinese firms have been officially denied. Authorities confirmed that the winners of the bidding process were 12 Uzbek-registered LLCs, some entirely owned by local citizens, and none fully owned by foreign entities.
The Tashkent–Tianjin rail link not only strengthens Uzbekistan's position in the global supply chain but also reinforces the country's commitment to sustainable development, investment transparency, and technological advancement.
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