Belarus and Uzbekistan actively cooperate in the transport and logistics sector within the framework of the Coordinating Transport Conference of the CIS Member States (CIS CTC), the Organization for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD), and the Commonwealth Railway Transport Council (CIS RTC).

An additional basis for the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation is the participation of both countries in the CIS and SCO, where issues of developing international transport corridors and strengthening transport connectivity between states occupy an important place on the cooperation agenda.

A practical result of cooperation is the steady positive growth in freight traffic between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Belarus, which is one of the republic's key trade and transport partners.

In terms of export and import freight volumes, Belarus is among Uzbekistan's top ten trading partners. By the end of 2025, freight traffic between the two countries reached 850,000 tons, an increase of 30% compared to the previous year.

The structure of freight traffic is dominated by imports, primarily timber, timber products, and food products, while export volumes remain insignificant and consist primarily of agricultural products.

The current situation demonstrates significant potential for increasing mutual freight traffic, primarily through the expansion of Uzbek exports and the development of new logistics routes.

In the context of geopolitical conflicts and the diversification of global supply chains, the creation of new international transport corridors in Eurasia using mixed modes of transport in the East-West and North-South directions is acquiring strategic importance.

The following are promising cooperation projects:

1. Development of new, optimal alternative transport routes with access to seaports.

A promising area is the development of the international transport route "Belarus – Russia – Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – Indian Ocean ports," which utilizes the shortest railway section running through Kazakhstan between the Dina Nurpeisova and Karakalpakstan stations.

On November 1, 2023, in Tashkent, at the SCO Transport Forum, the transport ministers of Uzbekistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the creation and development of this corridor. Belarus and Pakistan joined the Memorandum in 2024, and negotiations are currently underway to add Afghanistan.

The economic logic of the project is very clear. The corridor is approximately half the length of existing alternative routes and reduces delivery times by 2-3 times. It will directly connect the countries of the European Union and the CIS with Southeast and South Asia via a land-based rail and road route, increasing our countries' transit potential by transporting goods to the densely populated countries of South Asia – India and Pakistan – via the Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan route.

In the future, joint work is planned to develop uniform standards for the operation of the international transport corridor, including the introduction of a single shipping document and the unification of technological and technical standards.

It should be noted that the new route through Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan will contribute to the diversification of the geography and structure of foreign trade and will lead to an increase in the region's transit potential.

This potential is already being demonstrated in practice. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, freight transit to the south through Uzbekistan increased by 23% compared to the same period last year, reaching 1.8 million tons, of which 1.3 million tons were transported by rail and 0.5 million tons by road.

1. Cooperation in Transport Personnel Training.

A significant element of the long-term partnership is cooperation in the training and advanced training of transport specialists.

Belarus has a recognized track record in transport training. For example, the Belarusian State University of Transport in Gomel is a leading specialized educational and research institution, which includes the Institute for Advanced Training and Retraining of Personnel and the Research Institute of Railway Transport.

Developing cooperation between the Belarusian State University of Transport and specialized organizations in Uzbekistan, particularly the Tashkent State Transport University, would enable the organization of internships and advanced training programs for specialists, the development of academic mobility for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students, and joint research in priority areas of rail transport development, multimodal transportation, and international transport logistics.

III. Digitalization of Permit Exchange for Road Transport.

A separate practical area is the transition to the electronic exchange of permit forms—the E-permit system. Uzbekistan currently fully implements this exchange with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Turkey, and partially with Tajikistan. Work is underway to launch it with Turkmenistan.

Implementing this system in cooperation with Belarus will ensure transparency in permit distribution, eliminate human error, and strengthen oversight of their use, which is especially relevant given the growing volume of road transport between the countries.

Thus, cooperation between Belarus and Uzbekistan in transport and logistics goes beyond increasing mutual traffic and acquires a strategic dimension.

The implementation of these projects—from a multimodal corridor to Indian Ocean ports to the digitalization of permitting procedures—could transform our countries' geographical location into a real competitive advantage, making the Belarus-Uzbekistan-South Asia route convenient, fast, and predictable.

Joint and consistent work in these areas will strengthen economic ties between the two countries and make a significant contribution to the development of sustainable transport connectivity in the Eurasian space.

Head of Department, Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan Dildora Ibragimova

On 24–25 July, 2026, the city of Samarkand will host the International Forum of Brother Cities.

The forum will serve as an important international platform for dialogue, aimed at expanding Uzbekistan’s international cooperation, strengthening partnerships between cities, and promoting public diplomacy.

The forum program includes:

• An international scientific and practical conference dedicated to developing cooperation between the cities of Uzbekistan and foreign countries;
• Panel sessions and roundtable discussions covering a wide range of sectors;
• Signing ceremonies for memorandums of cooperation and partnership agreements between brother cities;
• Presentations focused on promoting public diplomacy and interregional cooperation;
• Cultural and educational events with the participation of foreign delegations;
• Guided tours of Samarkand’s historical and cultural landmarks;
• Exhibitions showcasing the investment, tourism, and cultural potential of Uzbekistan’s regions.

According to the organizers, the International Forum of Brother Cities will provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, exchange best practices, and foster long-term cooperation.

Dunyo IA

Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), jointly with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), surveyed more than 5,000 entrepreneurs from all regions of the country.

Study assesses the business environment and the effectiveness of entrepreneurship support measures, while developing proposals to further improve business conditions and promote private sector development.

Private businesses accounted for the majority of respondents (93%). By type of activity, wholesale and retail trade had the largest representation (43%), followed by services (30%), industry (17%), construction (8%), and agriculture, forestry and fisheries (2%).

The sample covers enterprises with varying levels of business experience. Almost one in four has been operating for more than 10 years (24%), more than a quarter for 5–10 years (28%), around a quarter for 3–5 years (26%), and one in five for 1–3 years (20%).

Survey results show that enterprises use a variety of tools to improve efficiency. One in three enterprises has adopted several digital solutions (33%), a comparable share uses artificial intelligence in at least two areas (30.4%), and almost one in four applies energy-saving solutions (23.2%). Enterprises are also introducing new products and technologies and revising their production and business processes to reduce costs.

Combined use of several measures is associated with stronger business performance. Among companies that have implemented at least three efficiency improvement measures, more than half report increased demand for their products and services (54.1%). Such enterprises are 4.1 times more likely to reduce costs, while the share of companies recording wage growth of more than 10% is 2.1 times higher.

Enterprises that have implemented at least three efficiency improvement measures also demonstrate greater investment activity, with more than half planning to increase investment in the following year (57.8%).

However, the comprehensive application of efficiency improvement tools has not yet become widespread. Approximately one in nine enterprises has implemented three or more measures (11.6%), while more than a quarter use none of the measures examined (28.5%).

By sector, three or more measures are implemented by 13% of enterprises in both industry and services, followed by trade (11%), construction (9%), and agriculture (8%). Regional differences are more pronounced. The comprehensive set of measures is most widely applied in Tashkent city (18%), while the corresponding figures are considerably lower in the Samarkand (4%), Bukhara (3%), and Syrdarya (2%) regions.

The survey results indicate the widespread use of basic digital solutions among enterprises (94%).

More than half of enterprises use artificial intelligence in one form or another (60%). AI is most commonly applied in marketing and sales (24%), production process optimization (15%), accounting and financial analysis (14%) and chatbots (13%).

At the same time, around one-third of enterprises use AI directly in production, logistics and financial processes (31%), indicating considerable scope for its further practical application.

Almost every second enterprise uses customer relationship management systems (CRM) to organize sales and customer engagement (48%). CRM systems are most widely used in the services sector (54%). Digital business analytics tools are used by only one in seven enterprises (14%). Nearly half of private enterprises do not use such systems, while more than a quarter are unaware of these digital solutions.

Social media has become a standard channel for promotion and customer engagement for more than four out of five enterprises (80.9%). More than half of enterprises have established online sales (58.8%), although the share of enterprises selling more than half of their products online remains relatively small (9%). Digital payment systems are used by one in four enterprises (25%).

The sectoral breakdown reveals differences in how digital tools are used. In services, CRM systems are the most widely used (54%), while this sector also records the highest adoption rates for artificial intelligence (68%), online sales (67%), and social media (87%).

In industry, CRM systems (49%) and artificial intelligence (60%) are widely used, alongside online sales (61%) and social media (81%).

In trade, digital payment systems are relatively more widespread (31%). More than half of enterprises also use artificial intelligence (55%) and online sales (54%), while over three-quarters use social media (77%).

In construction, social media is the most widely used digital tool (80%). More than half of enterprises use artificial intelligence (55%) and online sales (51%), while 43% use CRM systems.

In agriculture, digital payment systems are relatively widespread (30%). At the same time, 43% of enterprises use artificial intelligence, 49% have established online sales, and 66% use social media.

Findings show that further opportunities to improve enterprise efficiency are associated with the broader adoption of modern technologies and management solutions, the modernization and automation of production, development of digital sales channels and improvements in energy efficiency.

The stronger performance of enterprises that use these tools comprehensively demonstrates the importance of their consistent adoption for productivity growth and greater investment activity.

Technological modernization represents a separate area of opportunity for enterprises. The survey results indicate a relationship between the introduction of new products and technologies, increased demand and investment activity.

At the same time, 51% of enterprises still have scope for further technological modernization through upgrades and the introduction of new products, services and innovations.

The further spread of digital solutions also depends on the conditions for their implementation. According to entrepreneurs, digitalization could be supported by improved internet infrastructure (13%), greater availability of qualified specialists (10%) and lower financial costs associated with technology adoption (9%).

The need for skilled personnel is also confirmed by the broader findings of the study, with enterprises reporting shortages of specialists with various qualifications, including IT professionals and engineering and technical personnel.

Overall, the survey results show that further improvements in business efficiency require a transition from the use of individual digital tools to their direct integration into production and management.

CERR’s findings are consistent with the results of World Bank research. Enterprise-level data show that the most significant productivity gains occur when companies move beyond basic access to digital technologies and adopt more advanced solutions, including cloud services, management systems, analytics, and artificial intelligence. Digital payments and online sales alone have a limited impact unless accompanied by changes in internal business processes.

Realizing the considerable untapped potential for technological modernization depends primarily on developing managerial and digital competencies, training qualified personnel, and shifting from supporting access to technologies toward their practical adoption by enterprises.

This approach is also consistent with contemporary research on economic growth, which links long-term productivity gains to the diffusion of new knowledge and its practical application (2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences; Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt).

Accordingly, further business support measures should focus on expanding the practical adoption of technologies in enterprises’ production and management processes.

Dunyo IA

At the end of May, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will take part in the upcoming summit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in Astana.

In recent years, the participation of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in events of the Eurasian Economic Union has become an important element of the country’s foreign economic strategy, aimed at expanding practical cooperation, strengthening trade and economic ties, and developing sustainable mechanisms of regional interaction. Against the backdrop of global economic transformation, increasingly complex logistics routes, and growing competition for investment resources, the Eurasian direction is gaining particular importance for Uzbekistan.

As noted by the President of Uzbekistan during a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in 2025, “in the context of growing fragmentation of global markets, the increasing complexity of supply chains, and shifts in the allocation of investment resources, the deepening of pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation with the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union is of fundamental importance for us”. This position reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to building sustainable and long-term economic ties across the Eurasian space.

The Eurasian Economic Union is one of the largest integration associations in the post-Soviet region, established on the basis of the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space. The Union began functioning on 1 January 2015, following the entry into force of the Treaty on the EAEU, signed by Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia, later joined by Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

The modern stage of interaction between Uzbekistan and the Eurasian Economic Union dates back to 2019, when the Republic began a comprehensive review of expanding cooperation with the bloc. On 11 December 2020, Uzbekistan officially obtained observer status in the EAEU, enabling the country to participate in the meetings of the Union’s bodies, establish a structured dialogue with the Eurasian Economic Commission, and study the practical mechanisms of the integration association’s functioning.

Since then, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EAEU has taken on a stable, systematic, and practice-oriented character. An interagency working group on cooperation with the Union was established, a mechanism of regular consultations with the Eurasian Economic Commission was put in place, and a Memorandum of Cooperation between the government of Uzbekistan and the EEC was signed. Subsequently, the parties moved on to the implementation of joint three-year cooperation plans covering trade, industry, transport, the financial sector, and digital technologies.

Uzbekistan’s participation in EAEU high-level events has also intensified. Since 2021, the President of Uzbekistan has regularly participated in meetings of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, while government representatives have taken part in the work of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council. This demonstrates the progressive development of cooperation and the growing interest of both sides in expanding practical engagement.

In recent years, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has demonstrated steady positive dynamics. The Eurasian space remains one of the most important directions of the Republic’s foreign trade. By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with EAEU countries exceeded USD 20 billion, while the share of the Union’s member states in the country’s total foreign trade reached almost one quarter of overall external trade turnover.

Uzbekistan is also participating in a number of sectoral initiatives and projects within the EAEU framework. These include the development of e-commerce, the digitalization of rail freight transportation, the implementation of the “Eurasian Agroexpress” project, and cooperation on the climate agenda. These areas contribute to reducing logistics costs, simplifying cross-border trade, and enhancing the connectivity of transport corridors across the Eurasian space.

At the current stage, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Eurasian Economic Union is gradually moving to a qualitatively new level, encompassing not only trade and economic relations, but also digital transformation, technological cooperation, and the development of joint infrastructure. One of the key priorities is the removal of existing barriers and the creation of more efficient mechanisms for economic interaction.

An important component of the current stage of engagement is the development of digital integration. Uzbekistan is interested in the harmonization of digital platforms, the expansion of electronic commerce, and the introduction of modern data exchange mechanisms. Such an approach corresponds both to the goals of improving the efficiency of foreign trade and to the broader objective of building a modern and interconnected economic infrastructure across the Eurasian space.

Within a relatively short period of interaction in the status of an observer state, the parties have succeeded in establishing stable mechanisms of dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, and moving toward the implementation of concrete sectoral and infrastructure projects.

For Uzbekistan, the Eurasian direction remains an important element of its strategy for economic modernization, industrial cooperation, and the strengthening of transport and logistics connectivity. At the same time, the Republic continues to adhere to a model of flexible and pragmatic participation in integration processes, guided primarily by national economic interests and the principle of mutual benefit.

In the context of the transformation of the global economy, intensifying competition for markets, and changing global logistics routes, cooperation with the EAEU is viewed by Tashkent as one of the instruments for ensuring sustainable economic growth, expanding export opportunities, and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy. For this reason, Uzbekistan intends to further strengthen practical cooperation with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, develop new areas of collaboration, and maintain a constructive dialogue on key issues of regional development.

Dunyo IA

Contemporary relations between Uzbekistan and Belarus demonstrate a steady upward trajectory, based on the principles of mutual respect, trust and pragmatism. Despite their geographical distance, the two countries have succeeded in establishing an effective system of partnership built upon the complementarity of their economies, the similarity of their approaches to socio-economic development, and their shared interest in expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.

Since 2017, the dialogue between the two states has acquired a qualitatively new substance. Regular contacts at the highest and high levels, the work of the Intergovernmental Commission, as well as the holding of regional forums and business events, have made it possible to give bilateral cooperation a comprehensive and systematic character.

An important factor in the expansion of international ties has been the large-scale reforms carried out in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Economic liberalisation, the improvement of the investment climate, the development of free economic zones and the policy of openness have significantly increased the country’s attractiveness and created additional opportunities for deepening bilateral partnership.

Today, amid the transformation of the global economy, the restructuring of logistics chains and the emergence of new centres of economic growth, this partnership is gaining particular relevance and strategic significance.

At the same time, a key factor in the sustainable development of Uzbek-Belarusian relations is the high level of political mutual understanding. The constructive mechanism of interaction established by the two sides enables them to effectively coordinate joint actions across a broad range of issues.

The strong dynamics of relations are evidenced by regular negotiations at the highest level: since 2017, more than eight meetings have been held. Such an intensive schedule of contacts has made it possible to promptly address emerging issues on the bilateral agenda and define long-term priorities.

A powerful impetus to cooperation was provided by the official visit of President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko to Uzbekistan in February 2024. Following the visit, a Joint Statement was adopted and a Roadmap was prepared for the implementation of the agreed decisions. Practically all subsequent steps — in trade, industrial cooperation and the humanitarian sphere — have been a direct result of these agreements.

In February 2026, Tashkent hosted Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin. During his talks with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a new agenda was outlined in preparation for upcoming interstate events at the highest level, and the readiness of both sides to consistently implement the planned projects was reaffirmed.

The practical elaboration of joint initiatives is carried out within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation. In May 2026, its 12th meeting was held under the co-chairmanship of Deputy Prime Ministers of Uzbekistan and Belarus Jamshid Khodjaev and Yuri Shuleiko.

The parties discussed preparations for the Partnership Roadmap for 2026–2030, as well as measures to further expand trade, economic and investment cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on broadening the range of mutual supplies, intensifying industrial cooperation and establishing joint production facilities for high value-added goods. The priority areas identified include electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, the chemical industry, agricultural machinery production, construction materials, textiles and ready-made garments.

Contacts between the foreign ministries deserve special attention. In 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Maxim Ryzhenkov visited Termez, where, together with his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov, he discussed prospects for expanding trade routes through the free trade zone of the International Trade Centre Termez, as well as promoting routes through Afghanistan. This confirms that transit and logistics are assuming an increasingly important place on the bilateral agenda.

The treaty and legal framework of Uzbek-Belarusian relations is also being consistently expanded. To date, the two countries have concluded more than 126 interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements regulating cooperation in various areas. This extensive body of agreements forms a reliable institutional basis for cooperation, enabling political decisions to be translated into practical implementation and ensuring continuity in key areas.

The trade and economic sphere demonstrate the highest growth rates. Over the past five years, mutual trade turnover has increased 2.7 times. Belarusian supplies to Uzbekistan have grown 2.5 times, while Uzbek exports to Belarus have increased almost fourfold. By the end of 2025, a 25 per cent rise in mutual trade was recorded, bringing its volume to USD 965 million. This brings the two sides close to the USD 1 billion threshold set by the heads of state as a strategic benchmark.

Moreover, the pace of growth is accelerating. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, trade turnover increased by almost 50 per cent year-on-year, reaching USD 259.7 million. Against this background, the parties have begun developing a joint programme to raise trade turnover to USD 2 billion by 2030. Today, Belarus ranks third among CIS countries in terms of trade turnover in Uzbekistan’s foreign trade, after only Russia and Kazakhstan.

The principal components of Uzbekistan’s exports to Belarus include textiles, fruit, metals and selected industrial products. Imports from Belarus consist primarily of meat and dairy products, timber, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, fuel, machinery, equipment and metal products.

An important step towards expanding trade and economic cooperation was the announcement in March 2026 of the establishment of the Uzbekistan Trade House in Minsk. The project envisages the creation of a permanent platform for promoting Uzbek products, showcasing the output of domestic manufacturers and strengthening business-to-business ties.

Importantly, bilateral interaction extends well beyond trade. Increasing significance is being attached to industrial cooperation aimed at establishing joint ventures, localising technologies and developing export-oriented production facilities.

As of early 2025, approximately 250 enterprises with Belarusian capital were registered in Uzbekistan, while around 87 joint Uzbek-Belarusian companies were operating in Belarus. The overall portfolio of joint projects exceeds USD 300 million, demonstrating that bilateral cooperation has evolved into a systematic and sustainable partnership rather than a series of isolated business initiatives.

The priority areas of industrial cooperation include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, the textile industry and food processing. Traditionally, agricultural machinery has remained the flagship area of cooperation, with Belarusian products—including tractors, combine harvesters and specialised agricultural equipment—holding strong positions in the Uzbek market. Today, however, the two countries are moving to a new stage by establishing assembly lines and manufacturing facilities within Uzbekistan.

In February 2026, prospects for further cooperation were thoroughly examined during a business dialogue held at the Mogilev Free Economic Zone, with the participation of diplomats, regional authorities and business representatives from both countries. The participants identified several priority sectors, including electrical engineering, the chemical industry, construction materials and textiles, while also emphasising the importance of expanding the presence of Belarusian companies in the Uzbek market through investment mechanisms rather than relying solely on exports.

It should be noted that a solid practical foundation for deeper cooperation has already been established. A joint production facility manufacturing BELARUS tractors operates in the Tashkent Region; in partnership with EnergoKomplekt, the Enco Group high-voltage cable manufacturing plant has been launched; and the Belarusian-Uzbek joint venture UzShoes has been successfully operating in the city of Karshi.

The two countries have also agreed to promote joint production of high value-added goods. This transition—from traditional trade to the joint creation of competitive industrial products—represents the most significant qualitative shift in bilateral economic relations.

One of the most promising areas of cooperation remains the agro-industrial sector. According to the results of 2025, agricultural products accounted for almost 25 per cent of Belarus’s total exports, while the agro-industrial sector generated around 7 per cent of the country's GDP. These figures highlight considerable potential for cooperation within the CIS market, based on the complementary nature of the two economies. Belarus possesses a highly developed dairy and meat industry, grain processing capacities and an advanced food industry, whereas Uzbekistan offers a rich agricultural resource base, a strong fruit- and grape-growing sector, and a large consumer market.

Against this backdrop, the cooperation agreement on food security and food industry development, signed in Tashkent in May 2026 between the relevant ministries of the two countries, represents a logical and important step forward. The agreement elevates bilateral cooperation in the agro-industrial sector to a fundamentally new level of systematic and predictable partnership, replacing ad hoc commercial transactions with long-term strategic collaboration. A clear indication of this progress is the substantial increase in bilateral trade in agricultural and food products, which reached USD 338.9 million in 2025, compared with USD 234.2 million the previous year.

From a long-term perspective, the establishment of joint agro-industrial enterprises in Uzbekistan for fruit and vegetable processing, dairy production, storage technologies and logistics represents an area of considerable strategic importance. Belarusian expertise in land reclamation and water management could also be effectively applied, particularly in the context of Uzbekistan’s large-scale programmes for the development of new irrigated agricultural land.

Another important indicator of bilateral cooperation is the volume of freight transportation. In 2025, cargo shipments exceeded 796.6 thousand tonnes, representing a 6 per cent increase compared with the previous year. At the same time, both countries continue to actively diversify transport routes, including through Central Asia and Afghanistan, thereby enhancing the reliability and resilience of supply chains.

Interregional cooperation is also developing dynamically. Direct partnership links between the regions and cities of Uzbekistan and Belarus complement the central-level political dialogue and serve as an important source of practical initiatives. It is at the regional level that concrete production chains, educational partnerships and cultural exchanges are being established.

The sustainability of this dimension of cooperation is evidenced by the growing intensity of contacts between the regions of the two countries. Since 2017, more than 40 visits by representatives of the regions of Uzbekistan and Belarus have taken place, reflecting the high level of engagement. Regional Forums have played a particularly important role in institutionalising bilateral relations, becoming a regular and effective platform for launching new joint initiatives. A notable example was the conclusion in 2025 of cooperation agreements between the cities of Navoi and Orsha, as well as Termez and Polotsk, giving these partnerships a practical and long-term orientation.

Overall, the accumulated potential of Uzbek-Belarusian cooperation indicates that bilateral partnership has entered a qualitatively new stage of development. Its progress is now determined not only by the positive dynamics of individual indicators, but also by the establishment of sustainable mechanisms of cooperation that ensure the long-term implementation of the strategic course pursued by both countries.

The political, institutional and economic foundations that have been established enable the two sides to pursue ambitious objectives aimed at deepening industrial cooperation, attracting investment, strengthening transport connectivity and implementing joint projects in high-technology and innovation-driven sectors. Taken together, these factors demonstrate that Uzbekistan and Belarus possess a substantial reserve of resilience and maintain significant potential for further progress in the interests of both nations.

Iroda Imamova

Leading Research Fellow

Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan continues to strengthen its position as one of the most active hubs of cooperation between Central and South Asia. Changes in the global trade architecture, the restructuring of supply chains, and the growing importance of regional markets are increasing the significance of the South Asian direction.

South Asia, home to one of the world's largest consumer markets, substantial industrial potential, and rapidly expanding investment activity, is emerging as one of the key centers of the global economy.

Against this backdrop, Uzbekistan’s cooperation with South Asian countries is increasingly taking on a practical economic dimension. This involves the creation of sustainable mechanisms for trade, investment, and institutional cooperation capable of generating new growth opportunities for the entire region. Afghanistan occupies a special place in this process, serving as a bridge between Central and South Asia.

A practical manifestation of this transformation was the first interregional forum, the Termez Dialogue, held in May 2025 at the International Trade Center “Termez.” The forum became one of the most significant steps in implementing Uzbekistan’s initiative to strengthen connectivity between Central and South Asia, previously enshrined in a dedicated UNGA Resolution.

Discussions focused on trade and economic cooperation, investment, energy, food security, climate resilience, and Afghanistan’s integration into regional processes. The forum’s particular significance lay in its effort to establish a long-term platform for cooperation based on economic interdependence, openness, and shared development.

The decision to hold the Termez Dialogue on a regular basis effectively laid the groundwork for institutionalizing a new format of cooperation, with Termez emerging as one of the new geoeconomic platforms for engagement with South Asian countries.

Uzbekistan’s Trade with South Asia

Today, Uzbekistan is among the most active countries in the region in expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation with South Asia.

The strengthening of interregional connectivity has been accompanied by growth in trade turnover, investment interaction, and business activity, reflecting a transition from limited cross-border cooperation to a broader model of economic integration.

Over the past 9 years (2016–2025), trade between Uzbekistan and South Asian countries increased 3.2 times, reaching $3.5 bn. Uzbekistan’s exports to the region tripled to $2 bn, while imports increased 4.1 times to $1.5 bn.

The main categories of Uzbekistan’s exports to South Asia include food products worth $976.4 mn (48.1%), mineral oils – $368 mn (18.1%), transport services – $277.8 mn (13.7%), industrial goods – $140.5 mn (6.9%), and chemical products – $134.9 mn (6.6%).

The main import categories from South Asian countries include chemical products worth $477.6 mn (32.2%), food products – $391.4 mn (26.4%), machinery and equipment – $309.1 mn (20.8%), other products – $99 mn (6.7%), and finished products – $67 mn (4.5%).

In 2025, the largest share of trade with South Asia was accounted for by Afghanistan. The predominance of Uzbek exports made Afghanistan a highly beneficial trade and economic partner, ranking first among South Asian countries in terms of Uzbekistan’s trade turnover, which reached $1.7 bn, or 47.7% of total trade with the region.

Food exports to Afghanistan amounted to $712.7 mn, while Afghanistan accounted for 75.5% of Uzbekistan’s food exports to South Asia.

Trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and India has also expanded significantly in recent years. India ranked second among South Asian trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $1.3 bn in 2025 (37.5% of total trade with the region).

India ranked second among Uzbekistan’s South Asian trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $1.3 bn in 2025, accounting for 37.5% of Uzbekistan’s total trade with the region.

Pakistan ranked third, with trade turnover amounting to $445.9 mn, or 12.7% of Uzbekistan’s total trade with South Asia. In 2025, Uzbekistan’s exports to Pakistan consisted of food products worth $260.2 mn, industrial goods worth $21.2 mn, services worth $30.1 mn, and non-food raw materials worth $13.2 mn.

Imports from Pakistan in 2025 included food products worth $56.2 mn, chemical products worth $45.3 mn, industrial goods worth $6.4 mn, and various finished products worth $5.2 mn.

Over the past 9 years, the volume of foreign direct investment and loans attracted from South Asian countries to Uzbekistan totaled $1.3 bn, including $510 mn in 2025 alone. The largest contributions came from India ($586.7 mn) and Afghanistan ($519.2 mn).

Termez as a Hub of Interregional Connectivity

Termez occupies a special place in the development of Uzbekistan’s cooperation with South Asian countries. Located at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, the city serves as a trade, investment, and humanitarian hub connecting the two regions.

Historically, Termez played an important role in the system of interregional relations, situated at the intersection of the largest trade and civilizational spaces of Eurasia. Owing to its strategic geographic location, Termez linked India, Afghanistan, and Central Asia as early as ancient times, while during the Timurid era it was one of the region’s prominent administrative, commercial, and scientific centers.

The city’s current stage of development reflects the gradual restoration of this historical role under new geoeconomic conditions.

Since 2016, the Termez Cargo Center international logistics hub has been operating in the city, strategically located at the intersection of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. In recent years, it has become one of the largest channels for delivering humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan through the mechanisms of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

An additional impetus to regional development came with the opening of the Airitom International Trade Center in 2024, located in close proximity to the Afghan border. Today, the center is gradually evolving not only into a trading platform but also into a comprehensive geoeconomic hub bringing together logistics, business, educational, and humanitarian initiatives.

The center hosts a free trade zone with simplified business conditions for companies from South Asian countries. A visa-free regime has been introduced, transactions in foreign currencies are permitted, and entrepreneurs from Afghanistan and Pakistan have been granted the opportunity to conduct business within the complex. At the same time, social infrastructure, including educational and healthcare facilities, continues to develop.

At present, the Airitom International Trade Center covers 36 hectares, includes more than 3,000 retail outlets, and provides approximately 5,500 jobs. Since its opening, the center has been visited by more than 440,000 people, while annual exports have reached $1.2 bn.

Termez is also home to an educational institution for Afghan citizens, and a workforce development system is being expanded to support growing interregional cooperation.

In practice, Termez is becoming one of the key centers of economic interaction between Central and South Asia. The development of trade infrastructure, logistics, humanitarian projects, and business activity is strengthening economic ties between the two regions and enhancing Uzbekistan’s role in promoting interregional cooperation.

Against this backdrop, the Termez Dialogue is gaining importance as a permanent platform for aligning the long-term interests of the countries of Central and South Asia. The upcoming forum creates opportunities for advancing joint initiatives in trade, investment, food security, water resources, and sustainable development.

At the same time, the regular format of the Dialogue contributes to the development of a more sustainable model of interregional engagement based on pragmatic cooperation, economic interdependence, and the expansion of practical cooperation mechanisms between the two regions.

A New Economic Architecture of Connectivity

The significance of the Termez Dialogue extends beyond the framework of a traditional international forum. It reflects a broader transformation taking place across Eurasia, where regional connectivity, resilient supply chains, and economic cooperation are becoming increasingly important drivers of growth and stability.

For Uzbekistan, strengthening ties with South Asia represents not only an opportunity to diversify trade and investment flows but also a strategic instrument for enhancing the country’s role as a bridge between major regional markets.

The growing interconnectedness of Central and South Asia creates new opportunities for expanding trade routes, attracting investment, developing transport and logistics infrastructure, and strengthening cooperation in energy, agriculture, education, and human capital development.

Afghanistan occupies a central place within this emerging framework. Its integration into regional economic processes has the potential to transform it from a source of geopolitical uncertainty into an important transit, trade, and economic partner linking the two regions.

The development of practical cooperation mechanisms through platforms such as the Termez Dialogue may therefore contribute not only to economic growth but also to greater regional stability and long-term prosperity.

Through initiatives aimed at strengthening interregional connectivity, Uzbekistan is consistently promoting a vision of cooperation based on openness, mutual benefit, and shared development.

The experience of recent years demonstrates that expanding economic ties between Central and South Asia is no longer merely a political aspiration but an increasingly tangible economic reality supported by growing trade, rising investment flows, and expanding business engagement.

The institutionalization of the Termez Dialogue provides an important mechanism for sustaining this momentum. By bringing together governments, businesses, international organizations, and experts, the forum creates conditions for identifying common interests and developing coordinated approaches to regional challenges.

The continued development of trade infrastructure, logistics corridors, investment cooperation, and humanitarian initiatives centered around Termez further strengthens the city’s role as a gateway between Central and South Asia.

In this regard, the Termez Dialogue is evolving into a long-term platform for shaping a new model of regional cooperation – one based not on competition but on economic complementarity, interdependence, and shared prosperity.

As connectivity between the two regions deepens, Termez is increasingly positioned not only as a geographical crossroads but also as a strategic center of economic interaction capable of facilitating sustainable development across a vast part of Eurasia.

Ziyoda Rizaeva,
Center for Economic Research and Reforms

Today, Asia is playing a decisive role in global economic processes, bringing together major production capacities, rapidly growing consumer markets, and technological and financial centres. At the same time, geopolitical developments, changes in global trade and logistics chains, climate risks, and intensifying competition for investment resources are further increasing the importance of dialogue and practical cooperation among Asian countries.

Against this backdrop, economic cooperation within the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is becoming increasingly important. Today, CICA brings together 28 countries, covering nearly 90 percent of the Asian continent and more than half of the world’s population. CICA member states account for more than 50 percent of global GDP and nearly two-thirds of global economic growth. This demonstrates the significant potential for expanding economic and financial cooperation across the CICA region.

Uzbekistan has consistently viewed cooperation within CICA as an important instrument not only for ensuring peace and stability in Asia, but also for expanding practical partnerships aimed at economic development and prosperity.

New Opportunities for Uzbekistan

The rapid economic growth observed in Uzbekistan and the ongoing modernization of the economy are, in turn, increasing demand for long-term investment, private capital, and modern financial instruments.

As President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted at the ceremonial event dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence, Uzbekistan plans to attract $450 billion in foreign investment over the next decade and increase GDP to $300 billion by 2030 while maintaining high economic growth rates.

One of the key tasks in achieving these objectives is not only to increase investment volumes, but also to diversify their sources and make greater use of private and institutional investors, capital markets, public-private partnerships, and other modern financial mechanisms.

This process is also in line with global trends. According to United Nations estimates, the annual financing gap for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in developing countries is estimated at more than $4 trillion. This means that sustaining economic growth solely through traditional sources of financing is becoming increasingly challenging, while the need for new forms of investment and financial cooperation among countries continues to grow.

At the 6th CICA Summit held in Astana on October 13, 2022, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of strengthening connectivity across the Asian continent, primarily through the development of production and logistics chains and transport corridors effectively linking Central Asia with South and East Asia, as well as the Middle East.

This issue is of not only strategic but also tangible economic importance for Uzbekistan. In 2025, the country’s foreign trade turnover reached $81.2 billion, an increase of 20.7 percent compared to 2024.

At the same time, the majority of Uzbekistan’s key trading partners are located within the CICA region. In 2025, China accounted for 21.2 percent of the country’s foreign trade turnover, Russia for 16 percent, Kazakhstan for 6.1 percent, Türkiye for 3.7 percent, and the Republic of Korea for 2.1 percent.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has also placed particular emphasis on the development of the knowledge economy within CICA, highlighting the need to make fuller use of the potential for technology and innovation transfer, promote digitalization, and coordinate the efforts of Asian countries to develop cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.

This area is becoming increasingly relevant in the context of CICA’s emerging financial agenda. The development of the digital economy is creating new opportunities for modern payment systems, fintech solutions, digital financial services, and cross-border financial cooperation.

Another important area is the initiative to establish regular expert consultations on the rapid greening of countries and ensuring ecosystem connectivity within the framework of the “Green Asia” conceptual programme. This initiative is directly aligned with efforts to expand green and sustainable finance and attract private capital to climate and energy transition projects.

A New Stage of Financial Cooperation

Financial cooperation is becoming one of the key components of connectivity within CICA.

A major step in this direction was the establishment of the CICA Financial Summit. The Regulation on the new consultative body was adopted in 2025. According to the document, its activities are aimed at developing cooperation among member states in the financial sector in order to ensure financial stability, promote sustainable economic development, and enhance the prosperity of the CICA region.

The new mechanism began its practical activities this year. On September 8, 2026, the first meeting of the CICA Financial Summit was held in Astana. It brought together representatives of government authorities, national financial institutions, the banking sector, businesses, international organizations, and the expert community.

The emergence of a dedicated platform for financial dialogue demonstrates the changing nature of economic cooperation in Asia.

Today, financial connectivity is becoming no less important than connectivity in transport or trade. The implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects requires long-term capital; the development of cross-border trade requires efficient settlement and financial mechanisms; the green transition requires new investment instruments; and the rapid development of technology calls for closer cooperation between financial regulators and market participants.

These areas are shaping the substance and priorities of CICA’s new financial mechanism.

The agenda of the inaugural meeting also demonstrated the broad scope of this cooperation. Key areas of focus included financial connectivity, development finance, sustainable and inclusive finance, digital finance, and financial technologies.

Thus, the initiative is not about establishing yet another financial institution or development bank. Rather, it is creating a platform for cooperation among existing national financial institutions, regulatory authorities, banks, stock exchanges, and development institutions of CICA member states.

In this regard, the emerging financial mechanisms within CICA create additional opportunities to translate the initiatives put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on connectivity, digital development, and green growth into practical investment projects, while also strengthening Uzbekistan’s role as an active participant in the new financial linkages taking shape across Asia.

On November 18, the first session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan after the elections was held in Tashkent.

It was attended by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The session was opened by Chairman of the Central Election Commission Zayniddin Nizamkhodzhaev.

The National Anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan was played.

Temporary Secretariat of the first session, Counting Commission and temporary group on control over the use of electronic vote counting system were elected. The agenda was approved. The CEC Chairman presented information on the results of the elections to the Legislative Chamber.

On the proposal of the Council of Representatives of Political Parties, deputies elected Nuriddin Ismoilov to the post of Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis by secret ballot.

Then the chairmanship of the session passed to the Speaker. Deputy Speakers were elected. The factions of five political parties were registered. Ten committees of the Legislative Chamber were established in accordance with their agreed proposals.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the session.

At the beginning of his speech, the Head of State congratulated the deputies on their election, emphasizing that this is the embodiment of high trust and respect of our people.

It was emphasized that the current parliamentary elections have entered the history as being the first ones held in accordance with the updated Constitution. This process was conducted for the first time under a mixed electoral system.

As a result of the elections, 150 deputies were elected to the Legislative Chamber. Among them were 57 women and 11 young people under 35 years of age. Overall, the composition of the lower house was renewed by almost 60 percent.

The activities of the Chamber over the past five years were discussed. During this period, the Constitution has been updated and more than 130 new laws have been adopted, which is 1.5 times more than in the previous period.

The President also drew attention to the issues that remained out of parliamentary attention. For example, the share of laws with direct action and clear enforcement mechanisms remains low. Parliamentary and deputy control is still not effective enough. The activity of deputies in constituencies is mostly limited to organizing meetings, answering complaints and questions.

The Head of State outlined his vision of the new tasks ahead of the Legislative Chamber.

In particular, it was proposed to create public councils under each committee with the participation of representatives of civil society to strengthen the dialogue.

It is important to establish not only control and requirements in the work of parliamentary committees, but also close cooperation with ministries. It is also necessary to strengthen party and fractional discipline.

The President emphasized that lawmaking, primarily, should be aimed at solving urgent problems of society, and put forward a number of legislative initiatives. Among them are the construction of modern residential buildings replacing outdated ones, guaranteeing the protection of citizens' funds allocated for housing construction, support for private education and investors in the energy sector, introduction of compulsory health insurance, creation of a legal framework for franchising, capital market and startups, and relations arising in the field of artificial intelligence.

In order to boost the opposition, it was proposed to increase the number of guaranteed rights of the parliamentary opposition from 3 to 6, including giving it the positions of one committee chairman and two deputy committee chairmen, as well as additional rights to submit questions within the framework of the “government hour” and parliamentary inquiries.

Particular attention was paid to the need to transition to a system of broad, high-quality parliamentary control. In particular, in accordance with the updated Constitution, the control over the execution of the State Budget is the exclusive competence of the Legislative Chamber. In this regard, it is necessary to strengthen the work of the Chamber in this direction, including the introduction of the practice of submitting all reports of the Government on the State Budget to the Chamber only together with the audit report provided for by the Budget Code.

- A deputy is a servant of the people, a model for all, a person with a high level of political culture and knowledge, who sincerely loves his homeland. Our people, all of us, above all rely on you to strengthen peace, mutual understanding and harmony in the family, mahalla and society, to educate the youth in the spirit of patriotism, to defend the interests of Uzbekistan in the international arena, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Heads of political party factions and deputies addressed the session. The President supported their views, urged the deputies to work harder and be closer to the people.

- The voice of a deputy is the voice of the people. If you consider every issue concerning the fate of the country and first of all see our hardworking, generous and noble people in front of you, if you act thinking not only about today, but also about peace and happiness of future generations, then our people will be satisfied with you, - emphasized the Head of State.

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis adopted resolutions on the agenda.

The Regional Environmental Summit, to be held on 22–24 April 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, is of significant importance for Central Asia. Above all, it serves as clear evidence that the countries of the region are jointly seeking solutions to complex challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and land degradation. This reflects a transition to a new phase of environmental policy—one grounded in strong and sustained cooperation.

Shared Challenges Require Collective Solutions

Environmental challenges in Central Asia do not recognize national borders. The tragedy of the Aral Sea, inefficient use of transboundary water resources, desertification, and air pollution affect not just individual countries, but the future of the entire region.

In recent decades, unsustainable water management—particularly in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins—has increased pressure on both ecosystems and economic resilience. In this context, the regional summit represents a practical step forward—from acknowledging shared challenges to addressing them collectively.

The summit agenda outlines eight priority areas, reflecting a comprehensive approach to environmental policy. These include climate change mitigation; ensuring food security and ecosystem resilience; adaptation to natural risks and strengthening economic resilience; reducing air pollution and improving waste management; developing mechanisms to achieve environmental goals; sustainable management of natural resources; a just and inclusive green transition; and the development of environmental and digital competencies.

Thus, the summit agenda encompasses not only environmental, but also socio-economic dimensions.

Support for this initiative at the United Nations level adds considerable political and international weight to the process. It sends a strong signal that environmental issues are no longer confined to nature conservation alone—they are increasingly matters of security, economic stability and social well-being.

The participation of international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, is particularly important. It expands the potential to translate environmental initiatives into concrete projects, as addressing these challenges requires not only political commitments, but also substantial financial resources and advanced technologies.

The Green Transition: Opportunity or Challenge?

The concept of a “green transition” occupies a central place in the summit agenda. For Central Asian countries, this process is inherently dual in nature.

On the one hand, the transition to a green economy offers opportunities to attract investment, foster innovation and create new jobs. The development of renewable energy, resource-efficient technologies and sustainable agriculture can serve as key drivers of economic growth.

On the other hand, this transition requires large-scale reforms. Modernizing outdated infrastructure, upgrading industry, and strengthening environmental awareness among the population are complex and demanding tasks. This is precisely why the emphasis on a “just and inclusive green transition” is of fundamental importance.

Uzbekistan: Advancing Reforms and Environmental Initiatives

For Uzbekistan, the summit provides an important platform to present its environmental policy on the international stage. In recent years, the country has been implementing large-scale initiatives and programmes such as “Yashil Makon,” “Toza Havo,” “Bio Meros,” “Territory Without Waste” and “Eco-Culture,” demonstrating its proactive stance on the environmental agenda.

Particular attention is being given to the restoration of the Aral Sea region. Practical measures undertaken in this area position Uzbekistan as a significant partner not only regionally, but also globally, creating favorable conditions for attracting investment and expanding international cooperation.

Key Expected Outcomes of the Summit

The summit is expected to result in the signing of a number of strategically important documents, including a Joint Declaration of the Heads of State of Central Asia; a Regional Cooperation Programme with the United Nations for 2026–2030; memorandums on biodiversity, ecotourism, and ecosystem protection; agreements on the establishment of a regional early warning system for wildfires; and initiatives to create a transboundary “Peace Park.”

These documents will form a solid foundation for long-term cooperation and financing of environmental projects.

Conclusion: A Regional Response to Global Challenges

The Regional Environmental Summit highlights the growing role of Central Asia in the global environmental agenda. The forum represents an important step toward the development of a unified regional strategy aimed at reducing climate risks, conserving natural resources and ensuring sustainable development.

Just a few years ago, the concept of the “smart city” was largely seen as a futuristic idea associated with digital control panels, autonomous transport, widespread sensor networks, and automated urban services.

Today, the smart city has become a practical tool for addressing modern urban challenges. This trend can be seen across countries facing rapid population growth, increasing migration to major metropolitan areas, overstretched infrastructure, and mounting climate risks.

In this context, smart technologies are no longer viewed as an end in themselves. Instead, they are increasingly used to improve the resilience and efficiency of key urban systems, including transport, energy, public utilities, waste management, and environmental monitoring. This allows cities to adapt more effectively to emerging challenges, reduce pressure on infrastructure, and improve the overall quality of urban life.

At the same time, smart city development is gaining strategic economic importance by creating long-term drivers of growth. Such projects attract substantial investment by combining digital infrastructure, innovative services, and principles of sustainable development.

The growth of smart urban areas also contributes to job creation in high-tech sectors ranging from IT and telecommunications to engineering and urban data analytics. In parallel, the modernization of urban infrastructure improves resource management and raises overall living standards.

Against this backdrop, the approaches taken by Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan deserve particular attention. Rather than simply following a global trend, both countries are developing their own models of smart urbanization — ones in which technology serves people and supports the creation of more comfortable, sustainable, and future-oriented cities.

In this regard, Uzbekistan offers a particularly notable example, as urbanization is becoming an increasingly pressing issue amid steady demographic growth. The country’s population is growing by approximately 1.8–2% annually, placing additional pressure on transport systems, housing, infrastructure, and social services.

Under these conditions, the government is focusing not on limited modernization of the existing urban environment, but on the creation of new growth centers. The Smart City concept adopted in 2019, followed by the Digital Uzbekistan – 2030 strategy, established the institutional foundation for the large-scale digital transformation of urban infrastructure and public services.

One of the most visible outcomes of this strategy is the New Tashkent project, whose significance extends far beyond that of a traditional urban development initiative.

In essence, the project aims to create a new economic, administrative, and investment hub capable of easing pressure on the existing capital while introducing a fundamentally new model of urban organization based on smart city principles and sustainable development.

In this case, the concept of the “15-minute city,” green infrastructure, digital governance, public transport prioritization, and energy efficiency are not treated as separate elements, but as components of a broader strategy aimed at expanding economic space and improving the quality of the urban environment.

Against this backdrop, New Tashkent illustrates how urbanization can serve not only as a response to infrastructure pressures, but also as a tool for creating new centers of economic growth capable of redistributing business activity and shaping the long-term development of the urban agglomeration.

This is also why the project has a distinctly international dimension. Its implementation involves Singapore’s Meinhardt Group, the UK-based Foster + Partners and Cross Works, the Dutch firm OMA, Japan’s Sojitz Corporation, South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation, and other international partners. This reflects Uzbekistan’s efforts to integrate global expertise into its national development model.

Azerbaijan, in turn, has chosen a different approach to the development of smart urban spaces. Rather than building entirely new cities from scratch, the focus has been placed on the restoration and comprehensive modernization of recently reintegrated territories alongside the introduction of modern urban planning solutions and Smart City technologies.

This approach goes beyond the physical reconstruction of infrastructure and involves rethinking urban development through digital technologies, sustainable planning, and green standards.

Following the reintegration of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, Azerbaijan faced not only the challenge of rebuilding damaged territories, but also the task of their socio-economic reintegration into the country’s broader development framework. In this context, the concepts of Smart City and Smart Village have gained particular strategic importance, serving as the foundation for a new model of territorial planning and governance.

Within this model, technology is no longer viewed solely as a modernization tool, but as an instrument for comprehensive territorial development. It supports the rapid restoration of basic services, creates conditions for the return of displaced populations, stimulates economic activity, and enables more effective management of spatial development.

One of the clearest examples is Aghali — Azerbaijan’s first “smart village.” The project demonstrates how digital infrastructure, renewable energy, smart agriculture, and modern public services can become part of a new model of post-conflict reconstruction.

The village covers around 119 hectares and includes more than 200 modern eco-friendly homes equipped with smart systems, as well as social and public infrastructure facilities, including a school, kindergarten, medical center, ASAN xidmət and DOST service centers, small business facilities, and administrative buildings.

A similar development model can also be seen in Fizuli, Aghdam, Shusha, Khojaly, and several other settlements, where new infrastructure systems are being developed based on environmental sustainability, transport accessibility, and digital management of urban and rural services.

Like Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan also relies heavily on international cooperation as a key driver of modernization. Huawei is involved in implementing digital solutions, the World Bank provides analytical and advisory support, while Japan is expanding cooperation in smart infrastructure and green energy, contributing to the adoption of advanced technological practices.

Uzbekistan is building a new urban environment from the ground up, while Azerbaijan is developing its model against the backdrop of a complex historical and territorial transformation. At first glance, these are very different starting points. Yet this is precisely what makes the similarities in their approaches particularly notable. In both cases, digital infrastructure is not treated as an additional layer built onto the city, but as a core element shaping its future development from the outset.

At the same time, neither country is pursuing a model based on copying existing examples. The experiences of Singapore, Dubai, and Qatar are being studied, but not replicated. Instead, both states are developing their own models tailored to local demographic, geographic, historical, and social realities. This reflects not a limitation of choice, but the maturity of their strategic approach.

Against the backdrop of accelerating urbanization across Central Asia and the South Caucasus, the experiences of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are increasingly emerging as a kind of laboratory for new development models. While their strategies differ in tools and priorities, both are driven by the same objective: building a new generation of cities that combine technology, sustainability, adaptability, and a people-centered approach.

Abbosbek Mashrapov

Senior Research Fellow, International Institute for Central Asia

In the context of rapidly changing global economies, transport and logistics are becoming more than just infrastructure elements, but crucial instruments of economic and geopolitical influence. Against this backdrop, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is gradually emerging as one of the most promising platforms for regional cooperation in Eurasia. The development of transport and transit links, which are now becoming the foundation for the economic integration of the Turkic countries, holds a special place in the Organization's activities.

In this regard, the informal summit of the OTS, which will take place on May 14-15 this year in Turkestan (Republic of Kazakhstan), will be positive step in further strengthening the position of the Organization, deepening cooperation and uniting the efforts of all Turkic states.

Transport as the basis of a new Eurasian architecture

Today, the member states of the OTS interact in more than 40 areas – from economics and energy to digital technologies and artificial intelligence. However, transport sphere is gradually becoming the main driver of integration.

This is due to the unique geographical location of the Turkic countries. The region is located at the intersection of major international routes connecting Europe, Central Asia, China, the Middle East, and South Asia. A new Eurasian logistics system is effectively emerging, in which the OTS’s member states play a key link between East and West.

Amid the transformation of global supply chains and growing competition between international transport routes, the states of the region are striving not only to strengthen their own infrastructure but also to create a unified transit and logistics space.

Formation of a common transport policy

In recent years, a solid legal framework has been created within the OTS, which enshrines the strategic importance of this area in documents such as «Turkic Vision 2040» and «OTS Strategy for 2022–2026».

The 2022 Samarkand Summit was of particular significance, as it saw the signing of «Agreement on International Combined Freight Transport among the Governments of the Member States of the OTS» and «the Transport Connectivity Program». These documents ushered in a new era of cooperation among Turkic countries in the near future and established specific mechanisms for its implementation.

An important step was the introduction of the e-CMR system in 2026, which allows for the electronic transfer of transport documentation. This significantly simplifies transportation, reduces bureaucratic procedures, and expedites the passage of goods across state borders. At the same time, cooperation is developing in the digitalization of customs processes, the implementation of electronic permits, and the unification of transit procedures.

Institutional strengthening of cooperation

In recent years, the OTS has been consistently developing an institutional framework for transport integration, moving cooperation from a political and declarative level to a practical level. Regular meetings of the competent authorities of the Organization’s member states play a key role in this process.

Thus, at the meeting of OTS Transport ministers in April 2026 in Bishkek, the focus was on the development of transport corridors and the removal of border crossing barriers. Essentially, this is about creating a more coordinated regional transport system capable of increasing the competitiveness of OTS routes amid growing freight flows between Asia and Europe.

Meetings of heads of railway administration, held since 2022, serve a similar function. At the October 2025 meeting in Bishkek, issues of digitalization of transportation management and improving the efficiency of rail service were discussed. This demonstrates the desire of the OTS countries to unify transport procedures and reduce logistics costs within the region.

An additional step toward institutionalization was the creation of the Alliance of Logistics Centers and Cargo Carriers within the OTS in Tashkent in 2024. The establishment of this structure demonstrates a shift toward deeper business involvement in transport integration processes.

Transport corridors as a strategic basis for the integration of OTS countries

One of the key areas of the OTS's transport strategy is the creation of a unified space of transport connectivity, centered on the development of international corridors linking East and West, as well as North and South Eurasia.

The «Middle Corridor», connecting China and Europe via Central Asia and the South Caucasus, is particularly important in this system. Against the backdrop of the transformation of global logistics, geopolitical instability, and the desire of states to diversify trade routes, this corridor is becoming one of the most promising transport arteries in Eurasia.

While the volume of traffic along this route remained relatively limited in 2020, by 2025 it exceeded 5 million tons, an increase of almost sixfold. This demonstrates the gradual transformation of the «Middle Corridor» from an alternative route into an important element of the global transport system.

Moreover, the corridor's significance extends far beyond its purely transit function. For the OTS’s member states, its development means strengthening trade and economic ties, expanding access to external markets, attracting investment, and increasing the resilience of national economies to external challenges. In the long term, the «Middle Corridor» is seen as the foundation for the development of a new model of Eurasian connectivity.

A key element of this strategy is the implementation of the «China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan» railway project, which is already considered one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Central Asia. Construction of the highway, which includes 50 bridges and 29 tunnels with a total length of approximately 120 kilometers, is estimated to cost approximately $4.7 billion.

The project will significantly reduce freight delivery times between China and Europe, strengthen Central Asia’s transit potential, and enhance the integration of the OTS’s transport system. Essentially, this creates a new strategic route capable of transforming the region's logistics configuration.

Equally important is the development of the «Trans-Afghan Corridor», which opens OTS countries to the markets of South Asia, with a population of approximately 1,9 billion and a combined GDP of approximately $3,5 trillion. For Central Asian states, this creates opportunities to diversify foreign trade, expand export routes, and reduce transportation costs. At the same time, the Trans-Afghan route has the potential to become a factor in the economic stabilization of the region by boosting trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

Uzbekistan as a Driver of Transport Integration in the OTS

Since the Republic of Uzbekistan joined the Organization of Turkic States in 2019, transport and logistics cooperation has become a key focus of the country's foreign economic strategy within the Organization. Against the backdrop of the transformation of global supply chains, the growing importance of alternative Eurasian routes, and increased competition among international transport corridors, Tashkent has consistently promoted initiatives aimed at creating a unified transport and transit space for the OTS.

The initiatives of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, play a key role in advancing this agenda. He views transport connectivity as a key factor in regional integration and economic development. At the OTS summit in Turkey in 2021, the head of state emphasized the need for systemic cooperation in transport and transit, effectively marking a shift to a more comprehensive approach within the Organization. This agenda received significant impetus at the 2022 Samarkand Summit, where Uzbekistan advocated for the development of multimodal routes and the implementation of the e-TIR, e-Permit, and e-CMR electronic systems.

Uzbek logistics centers Universal Logistics Services (Tashkent), Akhtachy (Andijan), and Termez Cargo Center (Surkhandarya) joined the «Sister Ports» initiative, marking a practical step toward integrating Uzbekistan’s transport infrastructure into the regional logistics network.

At the summit in Astana in 2023, Uzbekistan again emphasized the diversification of transport routes and the development of the «Middle Corridor», which, in the current geo-economic environment, is acquiring strategic significance as an perspective route between Asia and Europe. At the same time, Tashkent promoted for the expansion of transport routes connecting OTS countries with the markets of China, South Asia, and Europe.

A logical continuation of this line of action was the initiatives announced at the OTS summit in Bishkek in November 2024. The focus was on optimizing transit tariffs, simplifying border procedures, creating joint logistics mechanisms, and transitioning to electronic document management.

In May 2025, at the informal OTS summit in Hungary, Uzbekistan supported for the accelerated implementation of «single-window» systems and «green corridors» along the Trans-Caspian route. At the summit in Gabala in November 2025, special attention was paid to enhancing the competitiveness of the «Middle Corridor», modernizing infrastructure, and other areas. Particular importance was placed on linking this route with the «China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan» railway project and the «Trans-Afghan Corridor», which effectively creates a new system of transport connectivity across a vast region.

The International Forum on Multimodal Transportation held in Tashkent on November 12, 2025, was a practical confirmation of Uzbekistan's growing role in the OTS’s transport agenda.

Overall, the Turkic countries are already demonstrating a willingness to move beyond the idea of ​​partnership to the creation of a unified interconnected space. Joint infrastructure projects, the development of interregional corridors, the digitalization of logistics, and Uzbekistan’s active role in promoting these processes form the foundation of a new transport architecture within the OTS.

Sarvar Kamolov,

the Chief Research Fellow of
the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies
under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS) Eldor Aripov, commented to Dunyo IA on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan:

- The Address of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan goes far beyond the scope of a routine annual political speech in its significance. It constitutes a strategic policy document that marks the country’s transition to a qualitatively new stage of development — the institutional consolidation of reforms and the formation of a sustainable growth model oriented toward the long term.

Over the past decade, Uzbekistan’s economy has undergone an accelerated process of qualitative and systemic transformation. While in the mid-2010s the country’s nominal gross domestic product stood at approximately USD 60–65 billion, it has now reached USD 145 billion, as noted in the President’s Address. In practical terms, this represents more than a twofold expansion of the nation’s economic scale over an unprecedentedly short historical period.

In recent years, average annual economic growth has consistently remained at around six percent. This reflects not only the preservation of positive momentum, but also the economy’s capacity for sustained growth amid external shocks — including the pandemic, disruptions to raw material supplies and logistics chains, and global inflationary pressures.

Sectoral indicators corroborate this assessment. Over the past decade, industrial output has more than doubled, whereas in the early 2010s industry played a largely auxiliary role relative to the commodity-based and agricultural sectors. Today, mechanical engineering, the electrical equipment industry, and the chemical sector make a stable contribution to the economy, while the share of processing and manufacturing activities in the GDP structure has already exceeded 80 percent.

The dynamics of the agricultural sector are equally indicative. Whereas ten years ago production volumes remained the primary benchmark, today — as emphasized in the President’s Address — the priority has shifted toward processing and the export of finished products. The expansion of fruit and vegetable processing and the growth of food exports are shaping a more resilient development model, reducing the economy’s dependence on fluctuations in harvest yields and prices.

Investment dynamics also reflect qualitative change. In recent years, investment in fixed capital has been growing at a rapid pace and has reached levels well above historical averages, whereas in the early 2010s this indicator was significantly lower. At the same time, the composition of investment has shifted: while previously it was concentrated primarily in infrastructure and state-led projects, a substantial share is now being directed toward industry, energy, transport, and digital solutions. As a result, investment is beginning to support not only current growth, but also the formation of the country’s future productive base.

External trade dynamics further reinforce this picture. Over the past decade, Uzbekistan’s export revenues have more than doubled: whereas in the mid-2010s exports of goods and services stood at approximately USD 12–13 billion, in recent years they have consistently exceeded USD 24–25 billion. Crucially, this growth has been driven not only by favorable price conditions, but also by changes in the structure of export supplies.

This transformation is most clearly visible in the manufacturing and processing industries. Over the past decade, exports of textile products have increased more than threefold — from less than $1 billion to around $3 billion and above — reflecting a shift from raw-material exports to finished goods. A similar trajectory can be observed in the electrical engineering, chemical, and food industries, where export volumes have risen several times over as a result of expanded production chains and access to new markets.

Macroeconomic balance warrants particular attention. Economic and investment growth has been accompanied by the maintenance of a controlled level of public debt and overall financial stability. This is especially significant, as recent experience shows that rapid growth without adequate balance often leads to the accumulation of constraints on future development. The Address underscores that Uzbekistan has deliberately chosen a more cautious, yet strategically advantageous, development trajectory.

A comparison of developments over the past decade leads to a key strategic conclusion: the republic has reached a stage at which further progress is determined less by the sheer size of the economy than by its quality. This is why the President’s Address places central emphasis on boosting labor productivity, advancing technological modernization, and deepening industrialization. The achievements to date are viewed as the foundation upon which the economy of the coming decade is to be built.

Compared with the starting point a decade ago, the country’s economy has become larger, more diversified, and more resilient. These changes provide a long-term strategic foundation for improving citizens’ well-being and strengthening Uzbekistan’s position in both regional and global markets.

Another notable aspect of the President’s Address is its clear illustration of the feedback loop between the state and its citizens, particularly in terms of aligning ongoing reforms with the everyday needs of the population.

An analysis of the Address indicates that its priorities fully align with the issues consistently highlighted in public opinion surveys and citizen appeals over recent years. At the center of attention are employment, income levels, access to social services, the quality of education and healthcare, as well as fairness and efficiency in public governance.

Whereas in 2017–2018 poverty in Uzbekistan was measured in double digits (around 35 percent), by 2024 it had fallen to 8.9 percent.

The projected reduction to 5.8 percent in 2025 demonstrates that the country is not only approaching the previously set target — reducing poverty to six percent by the end of the year — but is actually surpassing it.

Moreover, the Address highlights a strategic goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030, making the fight against poverty a central pillar of the country’s long-term policy framework. This achievement has been made possible through the effective implementation of a series of social programs and reforms aimed at sustainably increasing household incomes, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening social protection.

For a significant portion of the population, particularly young people and residents of regional areas, access to stable employment and reliable sources of income is the key determinant of social well-being. Support for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the development of industry and infrastructure highlighted in the Address, directly responds to these expectations. International organizations, including UNDP and the Asian Development Bank, note in their studies that such a focus on employment is among the most effective tools for social stabilization.

Equally important as an indicator that the state listens to its citizens is its focus on the quality of basic services. In the Address, education, healthcare, and workforce development are presented as strategic priorities rather than secondary concerns. This aligns with the public’s expressed demand for improvements in human capital and social mobility.

The section on public governance also warrants special attention. In recent years, one of the most frequent requests from citizens has been the reduction of bureaucracy and the enhancement of transparency and accountability among officials.

Taken together, the content of the Address suggests that the state demonstrates the ability to listen to its citizens and translate public expectations into elements of strategic policy.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev plays a particularly important role in this process as the key architect of these reforms. International financial and analytical institutions have repeatedly emphasized that political leadership is a decisive factor in the successful implementation of comprehensive reforms in countries with transitioning economies.

In Uzbekistan’s case, consistency, political will, and a focus on long-term results have made it possible to synchronize macroeconomic stabilization, social policy, and institutional reforms within a single strategic framework. The President’s Address serves both as a concentrated expression of this strategy and as a tool for its further deepening.

Taken together, the President’s Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan constitutes not merely an agenda for the next stage of reforms, but a strategic framework for the country’s future development. Supported by empirical data and assessments from leading international organizations, it strengthens domestic consensus and enhances the confidence of the international community. Its key significance lies precisely in its role as a document that defines the sustainability of reforms and the country’s long-term competitiveness.

Dunyo IA