Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to expand cooperation across key sectors including innovation, industry, governance, and cultural exchange, as Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held high-level talks during a working visit to Bukhara.
The visit, which took place on April 11, reflects growing regional integration between the two Central Asian countries, with discussions covering economic development, digital transformation, and joint projects.
Tokayev was welcomed by Mirziyoyev at Bukhara International Airport with an official ceremony featuring national music and cultural performances, before the leaders began a packed agenda of meetings and site visits.
Governance, digitalization and innovation in focus
A central part of the visit was the presentation of Uzbekistan’s new governance model through the Bukhara regional situational center. The platform integrates multiple government bodies into a unified system, enabling real-time monitoring of socio-economic processes, infrastructure, public safety, and citizen services.
The leaders were shown how the system supports faster decision-making, improves coordination, and helps identify issues early at the regional level. Modern working conditions and digital infrastructure designed to enhance public sector efficiency were also highlighted.
Uzbekistan also shared copies of rare archival materials with Kazakhstan, including documents related to Khoja Ahmad Yasawi and Robiya Sultan Begim, emphasizing shared historical heritage.
The presidents later visited the National AI Hackathon, where progress in artificial intelligence and digital transformation was showcased across sectors such as healthcare, transport, agriculture, and public administration.
Startup ecosystems from both countries were presented, including projects like KPI-COM, OSON, and DATOX. Financial and tech institutions such as Uzum, TBC Bank, Aloqabank, HUMO, and UZCARD outlined their role in supporting digital finance and entrepreneurship.
Both sides stressed the importance of venture capital development and youth innovation in driving future economic growth.
Industry, exports and cultural diplomacy
As part of the program, the leaders visited the “Nigora” textile enterprise in Bukhara, a modern production facility launched in 2024 with a total investment of $35mn. The enterprise employs around 840 people and produces export-oriented goods using advanced equipment from Europe and Japan.
The company’s products, marketed under the “Shoyigul” brand, are exported to several European countries. Plans to expand production and increase export volumes were discussed during the visit.
Cultural diplomacy was another key component. The leaders toured major historical landmarks in Bukhara, including the Ark fortress, Poi Kalon complex, and Lyabi-Hauz ensemble, highlighting the city’s role as a center of science, culture, and trade along the Silk Road.
They also visited the Bahouddin Naqshband complex, reinforcing shared spiritual and historical ties between the two nations.
Strengthening regional partnership
The visit underscored the deep historical connections between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, with Bukhara historically serving as a major educational and cultural hub for scholars across Central Asia.
The talks reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation not only in trade, but also in governance, innovation, and cultural exchange, reflecting a broader push toward regional integration.
Tokayev’s visit concluded with an official send-off at Bukhara International Airport, marking the end of a comprehensive program combining diplomacy, economic engagement, and cultural exchange.
