Uzbekistan and China have signed a protocol on the completion of bilateral negotiations regarding Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The signing took place during high-level talks on June 17 between Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and China’s President Xi Jinping, as the two leaders met to advance their strategic partnership.
The leaders reviewed the state of bilateral ties and outlined new areas of cooperation across trade, investment, infrastructure, and culture.
Both sides noted the unprecedented growth of the Uzbekistan-China comprehensive strategic partnership in recent years.
They emphasized the effective implementation of agreements reached during President Mirziyoyev’s state visit to China in January 2024, which has led to intensified exchanges at all levels.
In 2024, bilateral trade reached $14bn, while the portfolio of joint investment projects now exceeds $60bn. The leaders highlighted the expansion of BYD electric vehicle production, successful operation of joint technology parks, and growth in special industrial zones across Uzbekistan.
New projects are being developed in green energy, oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, mining, textiles, construction, logistics, smart agriculture, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies.
Financial cooperation is also strengthening. China Eximbank is completing the Olympic Village project in Tashkent and recently opened a regional branch in the city. Uzbekistan plans to further expand its investment platform in partnership with the Silk Road Fund.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in poverty reduction and fast-tracking the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project—a key regional infrastructure initiative.
In education and cultural exchange, both countries agreed to boost cooperation through language learning, academic programs, and cultural initiatives.
A branch of China’s Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University operates in Uzbekistan, and a joint International Mathematics Center has been launched with Peking University. The countries plan to host weeks of culture and art in 2025.
The leaders also exchanged views on international and regional developments, emphasizing coordination within multilateral platforms such as the UN, SCO, and the Central Asia-China dialogue.
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