Samarkand, October 22, 2024 – The Europe Today: Prime Ministers Olzhas Bektenov of Kazakhstan and Abdulla Aripov of Uzbekistan are participating in the 4th Interregional Forum “Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan” held in Samarkand. The forum, aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries, focused on implementing existing agreements, increasing bilateral trade, and promoting collaboration across key sectors such as industry, energy, water management, transport, and gas.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Bektenov highlighted the significant trade relationship between the two nations, with Uzbekistan serving as Kazakhstan’s main trade partner in Central Asia. In the first eight months of 2024, trade between the two countries reached 2.5 billion US dollars. Bektenov underscored the need to expand trade and create favorable conditions for mutual investment, noting that Kazakhstan is ready to boost its exports to Uzbekistan by supplying 40 high-value-added products worth over 550 million US dollars.
He also emphasized that strong political ties between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have paved the way for further economic integration. Investment agreements and commercial contracts worth 7 billion US dollars, signed at a business forum in Astana, will drive this momentum forward. “Today’s meeting marks the beginning of new breakthrough projects that will contribute to the sustainable development of the entire Central Asian region,” Bektenov said.
Uzbek Prime Minister Aripov echoed these sentiments, noting that cross-regional cooperation is a key priority in the bilateral relationship. He pointed out that mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan has increased 2.5 times over the past seven years, reaching 4.4 billion US dollars. Over 1,000 enterprises with Kazakh capital are now operating in Uzbekistan, contributing to the growing economic ties between bordering regions, including Karakalpakstan and Mangistau, Tashkent and Turkestan, and Navoiy and Kyzylorda.
The forum also focused on industrial cooperation, with 74 joint projects valued at 3.4 billion US dollars set to create 14,600 jobs, including 65 projects in Kazakhstan alone, expected to generate 13,600 jobs. Notable joint ventures include the CKD production of Chevrolet Onix cars in Kostanay, a household appliances plant in Saran, and garment factories in Shymkent and Turkestan. The establishment of the International Center for Industrial Cooperation Central Asia will further enhance collaboration by providing a “single-window” system for tax, customs, and other services for entrepreneurs.
Transport and logistics were also key points of discussion, with over 50% of Uzbekistan’s trade passing through Kazakhstan. Both countries have established 18 passenger transport routes across different modes, providing new opportunities for deepening ties.
During the forum, 76 agreements totaling over 325 million US dollars were signed, covering areas such as energy, mining, and scientific and cultural cooperation. These agreements include a Practical Action Plan for joint projects in energy and mining and further cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in cultural, economic, and humanitarian fields.
The event also marked the opening of a scientific and cultural center named after Abai and a Kazakh language and literature department at the Rashidov Samarkand State University in Uzbekistan.
With around 200 business representatives in attendance, the forum served as a platform to address current challenges and prospects for deeper cooperation in fields such as metallurgy, construction, agriculture, IT, and tourism.
