China and Uzbekistan have agreed to bolster their cooperation in key sectors, including infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and trade, following Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit to Uzbekistan. During his two-day visit to Tashkent, Premier Li met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and engaged in talks with Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, resulting in the signing of multiple cooperation agreements.
A significant focus of the agreements is the advancement of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and supporting economic development. The two countries also emphasized their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas such as energy, mineral resources, modern agriculture, digital technology, and environmental protection.
China, which remains Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner, encourages more Chinese companies to invest in Uzbekistan, with Tashkent expressing its readiness to provide a favorable business environment. Bilateral trade between the nations reached $16.1 billion last year, marking a 17.9 percent increase compared to the previous year.
The agreements also cover diverse fields, including trade, education, healthcare, customs, e-commerce, climate, media, and poverty reduction. China has shown interest in importing more high-quality Uzbek products, while Uzbekistan aims to expand access to the Chinese market.
In addition to economic ties, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political trust, expanding investment, and promoting cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges. Furthermore, they pledged to enhance coordination on regional and international issues, further developing their strategic partnership.