The Second Uzbekistan–China Interregional Forum, held on June 1–2 at the Silk Road Samarkand International Tourist Center, resulted in the signing of multiple cooperation agreements and highlighted growing regional collaboration between the two countries.
The event brought together more than 2,800 participants, including representatives from business sectors, government institutions, regional authorities, and academic circles. It aimed to strengthen the strategic partnership, expand interregional ties, and boost trade and investment flows.
The Uzbek delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, who emphasized China’s position as Uzbekistan’s largest trade and investment partner.
In the last five years, trade between Uzbekistan and China has grown twofold, hitting $13bn by the end of 2024. During the same period, direct Chinese investment in Uzbekistan rose five times compared to 2017, and the number of joint ventures climbed threefold, exceeding 3,700.
Khodjaev stressed that ongoing global economic challenges create new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in sectors such as energy, chemical production, machinery, textiles, agriculture, and home appliances.
Special attention was given to the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project, which officially commenced. The project is expected to reinforce Uzbekistan’s role as a key regional logistics hub.
Bilateral meetings were held on June 1 with officials from several Chinese provinces, including Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Ningxia, Shandong, Heilongjiang, and Gansu. These discussions focused on regional cooperation and potential investment initiatives.
Uzbek officials also held talks with representatives of about 20 Chinese companies, including Shaanxi Construction Engineering, Yalan Textile, and Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry.
Alongside the forum, a joint exhibition displayed products and innovations from businesses in both countries, reflecting mutual interest in long-term economic collaboration. Panel discussions covered science and education, innovation, agriculture, and women’s empowerment—demonstrating the broad scope of Uzbekistan–China cooperation.
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