Economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkiye is carried out within the framework of signed bilateral agreements and established intergovernmental mechanisms, and is supported by regular high-level contacts. In addition, Uzbekistan and Turkiye cooperate within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.

In 2023, the President of the Republic of Turkiye paid an official visit to Uzbekistan, during which the Uzbekistan–Turkiye Business Forum was held. As a result of the visit, a substantial package of intergovernmental and commercial agreements was signed, covering key sectors of the economy with a total value of around $10 bn.

In June 2024, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan paid an official visit to Turkiye. During the visit, a meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held, resulting in the signing of an important package of agreements, protocols, and roadmaps aimed at further expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation.

Mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Turkiye operates under a most-favoured-nation regime, and a Preferential Trade Agreement has also been signed.

Turkiye is among Uzbekistan’s leading trade and economic partners, ranking 4th in terms of total trade turnover and imports, and 5th in terms of Uzbekistan’s exports.

In 2025, Turkiye’s share in Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover amounted to 3.7%, including 3.4% of exports and 4.0% of imports.

Dynamics of Bilateral Trade

Over the period 2017–2025, bilateral trade between the two countries increased by 1.9 times and reached $3.0 bn by the end of 2025. Exports to Turkiye grew by 1.3 times to $1.1 bn, while imports from Turkiye increased by 2.8 times to $1.9 bn.

At the same time, annual growth rates of imports from Turkiye consistently exceeded export growth rates, resulting in a widening trade deficit to –$751.6 mn.

Uzbekistan’s exports to Turkiye in 2025 comprised the following categories: industrial goods (copper products, yarn, etc.) amounting to $511.4 mn (45%); miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly precious metal products) at $152.3 mn (13.4%); chemical products (polymers, fertilizers, etc.) at $124.3 mn (11%); machinery and transport equipment at $80.1 mn (7%); food products (dried fruits and nuts) at $63.0 mn (5.5%); petroleum products (gasoline, gas oil) at $36.6 mn (3.2%); non-food raw materials at $18.0 mn (1.6%); as well as services, primarily transport services, at $149.9 mn (13.2%).

Imports from Turkiye in 2025 were dominated by the following categories: machinery and transport equipment at $674.6 mn (35.7%); chemical products at $408.9 mn (21.7%); industrial goods at $390.2 mn (20.7%); miscellaneous manufactured articles at $136.2 mn (7.2%); food products at $94.6 mn (5.0%); petroleum products (lubricating oils) at $30.2 mn (1.6%); non-food raw materials at $30.1 mn (1.6%); and services at $117.4 mn (6.2%).

Investment Cooperation

The two countries have signed an Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments. As of 1 January 2026, 2,137 enterprises with Turkish capital operate in Uzbekistan, accounting for 11.8% of all active enterprises with foreign investment. Of these, 496 are joint ventures and 1,641 are wholly owned by Turkish investors.

Total direct investments and loans from Turkiye to Uzbekistan’s economy over 2017–2025 amounted to $9.0 bn, including $2.6 bn attracted in 2025 alone.

Turkish capital continues to expand its presence in Uzbekistan, primarily in priority sectors such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.

In particular, investments in the power sector are linked to the construction by the Turkish company Cengiz Enerji of a 240 MW thermal power plant in Tashkent Region and a similar 220 MW plant in Syrdarya Region.

Prospective Areas of Economic Cooperation

An analysis of Turkiye’s import structure indicates opportunities to increase Uzbekistan’s exports to Turkiye, particularly in product categories that Uzbekistan already supplies to global markets. These include polymers (Turkiye’s imports amounting to $2.8 bn), copper wire ($1.4 bn), fertilizers ($1.1 bn), legumes ($1.0 bn), zinc ($857 mn), copper tubes ($360 mn), textile products, particularly T-shirts and undershirts ($373 mn), knitted fabrics ($158 mn) and other manufactured goods.

Promising areas for cooperative engagement between Uzbekistan and Turkiye include manufacturing industries – especially textiles, electrical engineering, and machinery – chemical industry, agriculture, healthcare, education, as well as projects aimed at preserving and promoting cultural heritage. There are also prospects for joint infrastructure projects, including the construction of water treatment facilities.

In agriculture, particular attention is paid to the selection and cultivation of domestic pistachio varieties and the development of pistachio farming. Agreements have been reached on implementing joint research projects focused on cultivation techniques and adaptation.

A significant emphasis is placed on expanding cooperation in education, including the involvement of Turkish lecturers and specialized professionals in educational initiatives in Uzbekistan, experience exchange, and human capital development.

At the same time, areas of cooperation in healthcare are being discussed, focusing on the development of primary healthcare, the introduction of medical insurance systems, sector digitalization, improvement of service quality, and modernization of the pharmaceutical industry.

Tourism has been identified as a separate and promising area of cooperation. Currently, 12 hotels in Uzbekistan operate with the participation of Turkish partners, along with more than 100 joint restaurants, reflecting sustained interest by Turkish businesses in the country’s tourism sector.

In 2025–2026, with the support of Turkish investors, 11 hotel projects with a total value of $167.9 mn are planned in Bukhara, Samarkand, Jizzakh, Fergana, and Tashkent regions.

Transport connectivity is also expanding significantly. The number of weekly flights between Uzbekistan and Turkiye has increased from 62 in 2023 to 106 at present, creating additional conditions for the growth of mutual tourist flows and the expansion of travel routes.

A key initiative in tourism is the “Million + Million” programme, aimed at attracting at least one million tourists to each country. The programme envisages a further increase in flight frequency and the expansion of tourist routes between Uzbekistan and Turkiye.

Conclusion

In recent years, there has been steady growth in bilateral trade, investment volumes, the number of enterprises with Turkish capital, and the breadth of economic cooperation.

At the same time, Uzbekistan’s exports to Turkiye are still dominated by raw materials and intermediate goods used in Turkiye’s industrial sectors. Against this background, the key task for the coming years is to move from a “raw materials–finished goods” trade model toward the formation of joint production chains with higher value added.

In this context, Turkiye can play a role for Uzbekistan not only as one of its principal trading partners, but also as a contributor to Uzbekistan’s industrial development and to the expansion of its participation in global value chains.

Edvard Romanov
Center for Economic Research and Reforms

Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic in the field of tourism has been developing actively in recent years and is gaining a stable and sustainable character.

Both countries view tourism not only as an economic sector but also as an important tool for cultural exchange, strengthening international relations, and fostering mutual understanding between peoples. Within the framework of bilateral cooperation, joint tourism forums and presentations of tourism potential are regularly organized, and collaboration is being developed between tourism companies and educational institutions. Participation in international exhibitions also plays a significant role, where Uzbekistan promotes its historical and cultural routes, while the Czech Republic presents European travel destinations.

One of the reasons for the growing interest of Czech citizens in Uzbekistan is its rich historical heritage. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva—important centers of the ancient Great Silk Road—attract tourists with their unique architecture and the atmosphere of Eastern civilization. For Czech travelers, these destinations are of particular value, as they offer an opportunity to experience history preserved in a living form, distinct from the familiar European cultural landscape.

Another important factor is the exotic and authentic character of Uzbekistan. Tourists from the Czech Republic highlight the unique atmosphere of oriental bazaars, the diversity of national cuisine, the richness of traditions, and the hospitality of local people. All of this creates a truly unique travel experience that is difficult to find in more mass tourism destinations.

A significant role in the growth of tourist flows is also played by the development of Uzbekistan’s tourism infrastructure. A visa-free regime has been introduced for citizens of the Czech Republic, hotels are being modernized, and the transport network is expanding, including domestic flights and high-speed rail connections between major cities. All this makes travel more comfortable and accessible for European tourists, including Czech citizens.

Cultural and educational exchange remains another important area of cooperation. Czechs show interest in Uzbek crafts such as carpet weaving, ceramics, and national embroidery, as well as traditional music and dance. In addition, academic and business exchanges are developing, including participation in conferences, educational programs, and business initiatives, further strengthening ties between the two countries.

A significant milestone in bilateral cooperation was the workshop “Beginning of the Czech Odyssey. Popular Spa Resorts of the Czech Republic,” held in Tashkent with the participation of representatives of government agencies, the diplomatic corps, leading Czech spa resorts and hotels, as well as Uzbek tour operators.

During the event, new tourism products of the Czech Republic were presented, and prospects for expanding cooperation in spa, medical, and wellness tourism were discussed. Special attention was paid to building long-term partnerships between tourism companies of both countries.

Additional momentum to cooperation was provided by the visit of a working group of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Prague, where negotiations were held with representatives of the Czech Ministry for Regional Development, relevant associations, and leading tourism companies. The meetings focused on expanding tourism exchange, developing institutional cooperation, and implementing joint tourism initiatives.

Despite positive dynamics, certain infrastructural limitations remain, in particular the absence of direct and more convenient air connections between cities of the two countries, which somewhat constrains further growth in tourist exchanges.

In the future, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic in tourism is expected to expand further. Growth in tourist flows, development of new routes, improved transport accessibility, and implementation of joint cultural and sustainable tourism projects are anticipated. All of this will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and make Uzbekistan an even more attractive destination for tourists from the Czech Republic.

The issues of further expansion of practical interaction and promotion of investment cooperation projects were discussed at the meeting between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the delegation of the United Arab Emirates comprising Minister of Industry and Advanced Technologies Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohammed Al Mazroui.

At the beginning of the conversation, Sultan Al Jaber conveyed to the Head of our State sincere greetings and best wishes from the President of the Emirates Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister of the country, Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum and Vice President Sheikh Mansour Al Nahyan.

In the course of the meeting, the current highest level of Uzbek-Emirati multifaceted relations was noted with special satisfaction. The volumes of mutual trade turnover, the number of joint ventures and the frequency of flights are growing. The portfolio of ongoing and promising projects with the participation of leading Emirati companies in Uzbekistan reaches $20 billion.

Green energy is the driving force behind bilateral cooperation. Today, a 500 megawatt wind farm was commissioned in Navoi region, a project implemented by Masdar.

In general, in recent years with the participation of this company power generation facilities with total capacity of 1.5 gigawatts have been commissioned in our country.

Particular attention was paid to the early preparation and implementation of major investment projects in the energy, oil and gas and chemical industries, mining, water supply, household waste processing and other fields.

The importance of continuing productive contacts at all levels and careful preparation for the upcoming high-level events was noted.

An analysis of nighttime satellite illumination data indicates a strengthening of economic activity across regions and an expansion in the number of territories exhibiting urban-type development.

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) applied satellite-based nighttime lights (NTL) data to assess economic activity at the level of regions and cities in Uzbekistan.

The analysis shows that higher light intensity corresponds to higher levels of economic activity and more advanced urban infrastructure.

CERR’s findings demonstrate a high degree of consistency between satellite-based indicators and official statistics. In particular, according to estimates based on NASA nighttime lights data, nominal GDP per capita in Uzbekistan grew by 80.3% in 2020–2025, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 15.8%, increasing from $2,090 to $3,887 over five years.

For comparison, according to official statistics, GDP per capita increased by 81.8% over the same period, with an average annual growth rate of 16.1%, rising from $2,048 to $3,881.

Economic Activity in Large and Medium-Sized Cities

According to the data, over the past five years the highest growth in gross regional product (GRP) per capita among regions was recorded in the city of Tashkent, where the indicator increased by approximately $5,000, reaching $9.3 thousand by the end of 2025 (according to official statistics — $9.2 thousand).

Estimates for 2025 also show high GRP per capita levels in a number of large and medium-sized cities. In Navoi, the NTL-based estimate reached $9.3 thousand, in Zarafshan $7.9 thousand, in Samarkand $7.2 thousand, in Kokand and Andijan $6.7 thousand each, and in Akhangaran, Yangiyul, and Bukhara ranged from $5.8 thousand to $5.2 thousand, respectively.

Relatively high growth rates of GRP per capita were also observed across several regions. In Tashkent region, the indicator increased by $1.8 thousand to reach around $4 thousand. In Navoi region, GRP per capita also grew by $1.8 thousand to approximately $4 thousand. In Fergana and Syrdarya regions, the increase amounted to $1.6 thousand, reaching about $3.5 thousand and $3.4 thousand, respectively.

Economic Activity in Small and Medium-Sized Cities

Relatively high GRP per capita levels were also recorded in a number of small and medium-sized cities. In Termez, the indicator reached $5.1 thousand, in Margilan and Chirchik around $5 thousand, and in Namangan $4.8 thousand. Economic activity levels also remain relatively high in the cities of Kagan and Urgench.

Economic Activity at the District Level

At the district level, the highest GRP per capita growth dynamics in 2020–2025 were observed in Mirabad district, where the indicator increased by $7.1 thousand, in Yakkasaray district by $6.3 thousand, and in Chilanzar district by $5.6 thousand. As a result, GRP per capita in these districts exceeded $10 thousand, which is nearly three times higher than the average across other districts and cities in the country.

Among districts, the highest growth rates of economic activity were also recorded in Karmana district (2.5-fold increase), Yashnabad and Bektemir districts (2.4-fold), as well as Sergeli, Yangi Hayot, and Mirzo Ulugbek districts (2.3-fold).

Expansion of Territories with High Economic Activity

The use of nighttime lights data also made it possible to assess urbanization processes at the district level. In particular, between 2020 and 2025, the number of territories with high nighttime light intensity (NTL above 10), characteristic of urban agglomerations, increased from 22 to 31. The average GRP per capita in these territories rose from $3.8 thousand to $7 thousand.

At the same time, over five years the number of districts with low nighttime light intensity (NTL below 1) declined from 129 to 85, confirming the transition of 44 districts toward an urban-type development model.

In these districts, NTL levels increased on average by more than 2.5 times, while GRP per capita rose from $1.7 thousand to $3.2 thousand.

Conclusion

The results confirm that satellite-based nighttime lights data can effectively complement official statistics and be used for timely assessment of regional economic activity.

This approach enables the identification of new growth points and allows for more targeted allocation of state support toward infrastructure development and investment activity in the regions.

Abdulaziz Gaybullayev, CERR

CERR Public Relations Sector

Tel.: (+998) 78 150-32-20 (417)

The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has been recognized as the “Best Museum of the Turkic World” by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Sultan Raev, Secretary General of the organization, announced this during an international scientific conference dedicated to the 690th anniversary of Amir Temur's birth.

Constructed in a short period at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Center is highly regarded today not only as a unique architectural masterpiece but also as a symbolic bridge connecting Eastern and Western civilizations. Through its concept, content, and scientific-educational focus, it vividly demonstrates the creative and enlightening potential of Islamic civilization.

While ceremoniously presenting the “Best Museum” certificate to the leadership of the Center, Secretary General Sultan Raev specifically highlighted President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's policy aimed at the profound study and global promotion of the Islamic civilization's heritage:

-  Thanks to the special attention of Honorable President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the legacy of Amir Temur and Islamic culture are being deeply explored today. New scientific and artistic works are being created and modern scientific-educational centers are being established. I can say with confidence that there is no comparable center in the world. This is, undoubtedly, a vivid manifestation of the ideas of the Third Renaissance. At times, the world limits itself to mere statements. However, Uzbekistan is setting an example through its practical actions and tangible results.

In turn, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, shared his insights regarding this prestigious recognition:

-  Established under the direct initiative and visionary authorship of our Honorable President, the Center has emerged as one of the most significant mega-projects in the Turkic world. The Head of State personally participated in and oversaw every stage of its creation. Today, every visitor leaves the Center with a world of impressions. As is well known, TURKSOY is a prestigious international organization uniting states such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Türkiye and is often referred to as the “UNESCO of the Turkic World”. Currently, the museum heritage of these nations encompasses nearly 1,300 museums. The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, with its creative vision, profound conceptual depth and innovative solutions, holds a special place among these institutions, manifesting itself as a unique cultural and scientific phenomenon.

Furthermore, F. Abdukhalikov specifically highlighted the growing international interest in the Center's activities. In particular, the Hungarian government has expressed interest in studying the Center's experience and collaborating on the implementation of a similar project. Additionally, the leadership of the German state of Bavaria has stated its readiness to support initiatives aimed at promoting Islam through enlightenment.

At the conclusion of the event, it was emphasized that this award serves as a vivid testament to the Center's high international prestige, its scientific and cultural significance, and its profound recognition across the Turkic world.

The President of Uzbekistan has signed the Resolution “On measures to introduce a system of continuous improvement of knowledge of the population and civil servants in the fight against corruption”.

The legal and institutional framework for preventing and combating corruption has been improved in Uzbekistan in recent years. At the same time, there is a need to raise to a new level the system of developing an intolerant attitude towards corruption among the population and civil servants, immunizing them with ‘integrity vaccine’, as well as increasing knowledge and skills in the fight against corruption based on the requirements of the time.

In this regard, the President of Uzbekistan has signed the Resolution “On measures to introduce a system of continuous improvement of knowledge of the population and civil servants in the fight against corruption”.

The Resolution will introduce a system of continuous improvement of knowledge of the population and civil servants in combating corruption.

For this purpose, from January 1, 2025, the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy electronic platform (Virtual Academy) will be launched.

The Anti-Corruption Agency and the Law Enforcement Academy are in charge in organization and conduct of educational activities at the Virtual Academy. The Agency forms a contingent of civil servants who are subject to training, in agreement with the Academy, approves the annual training schedule, and monitors the quality organization of the educational process. The Agency submits annually information on the activities of the Virtual Academy to the National Anti-Corruption Council.

The key is that any citizen will have the opportunity to voluntarily study at the Academy’s basic courses. In particular, educational programs of various formats will be developed for preschool and school children, students, entrepreneurs, and representatives of nongovernmental organizations, taking into account their age, level of development and field of activity.

Increasing knowledge and skills in combating corruption at the Academy is mandatory for all civil servants.

This, undoubtedly, is of great importance in increasing the legal consciousness and culture of the population and civil servants, creating legal immunity from corruption in society, and cultivating the integrity values in the younger generation.

Training at the Virtual Academy in basic courses is organized free of charge for all users, and advanced training in special courses is fee-based.

The Agency formulates recommended annual research topics in the field of anti-corruption for higher education institutions and research organizations. All higher education and research organizations will annually submit to the Agency the results of research they conducted in the area. The Academy will maintain an electronic database on achievements, domestic and foreign experience, scientific, methodological and practical developments and research work.

Based on the Resolution, a Road Map is approved to ensure the effective functioning and strengthening of the material and technical base of the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy electronic platform.

According to it, the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy electronic platform and its mobile app will be launched by January 1, 2025. Special programs and content organized in the Virtual Academy for pre-school and school children, and students will be developed by October 1, 2024.

As part of the Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment (GRACE) Initiative, measures will be taken to create high-quality animated films, video and audio materials intended for students.

The launch of the Virtual Academy will serve to accelerate the formation of an intolerant attitude towards corruption in society, as well as the introduction of a system of continuous improvement of the knowledge and skills of the population and civil servants in the fight against corruption.

Dunyo IA

The changes taking place in Central Asia in recent years can hardly be described as simplediplomatic rapprochement. This process is also transforming the economic landscape of the region.

Several years ago, issues related to borders, transport, water and energy were largely viewed as sources of disagreement. Today, these very areas are becoming some of the greatest opportunities for cooperation. This is because the countries have come to understand that the individual market and opportunities of each country are limited, while an interconnected region creates a much larger economic space.

The political foundation of this change is linked to a new regional approach that began in 2017. The policy of openness, good-neighborliness and pragmatism promoted by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has strengthened dialogue among the Central Asian states.

While the first Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was held in Astana in 2018, by 2025 such meetings had become a regular tradition. Most importantly, the economic results of this dialogue have become increasingly visible.

For example, in 2023, mutual trade among the countries of the region increased by more than 2.5 times compared with previous years, while mutual investment grew almost sixfold. At the 2025 Tashkent meeting, it was noted that intra-regional trade in Central Asia had reached $10.7 billion.

 There is an important logic behind these figures: as trust increases, risks decrease; as risks decrease, trade and investment increase.

The Seventh Consultative Meeting in Tashkent: A New Geoeconomic Architecture

The seventh Consultative Meeting, held in Tashkent in November 2025, marked a new stage in regional cooperation. Azerbaijan’s accession to the format as a full-fledged participant expanded the economic geography of Central Asia.

Why is this important? One of the major challenges facing Central Asia is its limited direct access to seaports. Azerbaijan, through the Caspian Sea, connects the region with the markets of the Caucasus, Türkiye and Europe.

In this regard, the Port of Baku, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and railway networks may open new export opportunities for Central Asia.

This is not simply about transporting goods. Logistics centers, warehouses, insurance and financial services, and processing enterprises will emerge around the new corridors. In other words, a single transport corridor can create new businesses across several sectors.

Therefore, Central Asia is gradually beginning to emerge not simply as a “landlocked region,” but as an economic hub where Eurasian transport corridors intersect.

Integration Is Driven by Business, Not Summits

The real outcome of regional cooperation is measured not by the number of documents signed at summits, but by changes in the lives of enterprises and entrepreneurs. In this regard, bilateral relations are particularly important. For example, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is planned to increase to $10 billion.

Thousands of joint enterprises have been established in the two countries in recent years.

 Trade with Turkmenistan has also approached $1 billion. The growth of cross-border trade and cargo transportation shows that economic ties between the two countries are developing not only at the level of capitals, but also at the regional level.

With Kyrgyzstan, transport and energy cooperation is of particular importance, especially the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project. If implemented, it will further strengthen Central Asia’s transport connectivity along east-west routes.

Relations with Tajikistan are also increasingly viewing trade, industrial cooperation, transport, water and energy issues from the perspective of economic cooperation.

All these processes are connected by one trend: neighboring countries are beginning to see each other not only as markets, but also as partners in production and investment.

Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan: Towards Lasting Friendship and Joint Markets

Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan relations hold a special place in cooperation between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

Joint projects between the two countries are expanding in trade, energy, logistics, construction, geology, textiles and tourism.

Bilateral trade increased in 2025, and high growth rates have continued in 2026.

Most importantly, relations are moving beyond ordinary trade toward investment and joint production. A target has also been set to bring bilateral trade turnover to $1 billion by 2030.

Another important aspect of this cooperation is the possibility of combining Uzbekistan’s production capabilities with Azerbaijan’s logistics opportunities in the Caspian and Caucasus regions.

For example, products manufactured in Uzbekistan can reach Azerbaijan via the Caspian Sea and then access the markets of Türkiye and Europe. If customs procedures, railway transportation, port operations and electronic document systems are coordinated along this route, the time and cost required to bring products to market can be reduced.

Therefore, Azerbaijan’s accession to the regional cooperation format is not merely a symbolic diplomatic event. It is a practical step that expands Central Asia’s economic map westward through the Caspian Sea.

From Cholpon-Ata to Avaza: Ahead of the Eighth Consultative Meeting

On October 8–9, 2026, the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia is scheduled to take place in the Avaza National Tourist Zone of Turkmenistan.

The importance of this meeting can also be seen in its agenda. Along with transport and energy, issues related to water, climate, ecology, the Aral Sea, education and human capital are expected to be discussed.

This is not accidental. The economic future of the region can no longer be divided into separate sectors.

For example, water is directly connected with agriculture and energy; energy is connected with industry; transport is connected with exports; and education is connected with high technologies.

Therefore, at the next stage, it is not enough to understand integration simply as “more trade.” The key issue is to create more value together.

Regional Value Chains

One of the most important issues for Central Asian countries in the future is not simply increasing the volume of trade, but determining how much added value is created within that trade.

For example, if automotive components are produced in one country, a vehicle is assembled in another, spare parts are manufactured in a third, and the finished product reaches external markets through a fourth country — this represents genuine regional economic integration.

Such a model can be applied in textiles, electrical engineering, automotive manufacturing, food production, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and construction materials.

For this, a business-friendly environment is needed: digitalization of customs procedures, mutual recognition of certificates, shorter border-crossing times, and compatibility of electronic payments and documents.

Simply put, the greatest result of integration should not be a new declaration, but the ability of an entrepreneur to cross the border faster and at lower cost.

Water and Energy: From a Challenge to a Common Interest

           One of the most complex issues of integration in Central Asia is water and energy.

Water resources and energy potential are not distributed evenly among the countries. Therefore, if a state acts solely on the basis of its own interests, this may lead to unfavorable consequences for the region as a whole.

Conversely, coordinating reservoirs, hydropower, agriculture and electricity grids increases overall efficiency.

Climate change is making this issue even more urgent. Droughts, shrinking glaciers and growing demand for water will require countries to cooperate even more closely in the future.
Therefore, digital water accounting, data exchange, joint forecasting and the development of cross-border energy projects will become important components of integration.

“Central Asia Plus”: The Region Is Moving in Harmony with the Outside World

 Another important outcome of regional rapprochement is the growing perception of Central Asia as a common economic actor in negotiations with external partners.

Through “Central Asia Plus” formats, dialogue is being conducted with the European Union, China, Russia, the United States, South Korea and other partners.

The important point here is that external partners now have an opportunity to view the region not only as five separate markets, but as a larger interconnected economic space.

At the first “Central Asia–European Union” summit, held in Samarkand in 2025, transport, green energy, investment and digitalization were discussed. Trade and transport links with China are also expanding. The first “Central Asia–Republic of Korea” summit, held in Seoul in 2026, demonstrates the growing importance of technology and human capital.

Thus, the region is simultaneously strengthening internal integration and diversifying its external economic relations.

Seven Priority Economic Areas for New Development

 Political trust has been established in Central Asia. The next task is to turn it into economic results. Several areas are crucial for achieving this.

First, customs and trade processes need to be digitalized.

Second, the number of joint industrial enterprises and regional value chains should be increased.

Third, the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, the Trans-Caspian Corridor and other routes should be developed as a single interconnected logistics system.

Fourth, investment funds, export credit, insurance and public-private partnership mechanisms need to be expanded.

Fifth, data exchange and long-term planning in water and energy should be coordinated.

Sixth, common standards for digital payments and e-commerce are important.

Finally, investment in human capital is essential. The integration of the future will be driven not only by railways, but also by engineers, programmers, scientists, entrepreneurs and specialists of the new generation.

The most important feature of current developments in Central Asia is that countries are increasingly beginning to see one another not as competitors, but as partners.

The goal of increasing trade with Kazakhstan to $10 billion, the growth of cross-border trade and transport links with Turkmenistan, railway and energy projects with Kyrgyzstan, water and energy dialogue with Tajikistan, and the opening of new transport and investment opportunities through the Caspian Sea with Azerbaijan are all different manifestations of the same process.

This process is not yet complete. On the contrary, its most important stage is only beginning.

Because turning political agreements into economic results is not always easy. An agreement signed at a summit must become a new product at an enterprise, a transport agreement must lead to cheaper logistics, and an investment agreement must create a new job.

If this chain works, the geographical constraints of Central Asia can become an economic advantage.

If the ports on the Caspian Sea, railways coming from the east, common energy systems, regional industrial chains and a large consumer market become interconnected, Central Asia will become not simply a geographical region, but an important economic space in Eurasia.

Today, the region faces a historic opportunity: to turn geographical constraints into economic advantages, common problems into joint projects, and national markets into a large interconnected space for development.

To achieve this, the agreements reached at summits must be transformed into tangible results that enterprises, investors, farmers, transport operators, scientists and ordinary citizens can feel in their daily lives.

Only then will cooperation in Central Asia become not a political slogan, but a real economic force creating prosperity.

The New Uzbekistan’s open and pragmatic regional policy will remain one of the important initiators and driving forces behind this common path of development.

Tulkin Teshabaev,

Rector of Tashkent State University of Economics

Doctor of Economics, Professor

Digital cooperation between Uzbekistan and South Korea already runs through telecommunications manufacturing, e-government data centers, healthcare digitization, artificial intelligence, and education — infrastructure the Central Asia–Korea Summit puts a spotlight on, not one it creates

For Uzbekistan, digital transformation is not a single initiative but a declared national priority, and South Korea has become one of its most consistent partners in pursuing it. As Uzbekistan diversifies its economy and builds out its technology sector, cooperation with Korea reaches into nearly every layer of that effort — telecommunications infrastructure, government data systems, hospital diagnostics, and university classrooms among them.

That relationship is especially dense in information technology, a sector both governments have identified as central to the partnership. Korean companies build infrastructure and open offices inside Uzbekistan; Korean universities train Uzbek engineers; Uzbek IT firms increasingly sell services into the Korean market. High-level meetings between the two countries, including the Central Asia–Korea Summit, mark and reinforce this cooperation rather than create it the projects behind it were already underway.

Korean partners have already manufactured the fiber-optic cable running through part of Uzbekistan's telecommunications backbone, supplied the servers and storage behind its national e-government data center, and begun designing a joint digital government cooperation center for Tashkent. IT Park Uzbekistan opened a representative office in Seoul on October 30, 2024, under a newly formed Uzbek-Korean IT Business Alliance developed with the Korea Institute for International Industrial Cooperation — one visible marker of a relationship that is already several projects deep.

Institutional foundations

Uzbekistan's digital transformation has been driven by a series of structural reforms over the past several years: a dedicated ministry overseeing digital technologies, IT Park Uzbekistan as the country's flagship technology hub with resident-company incentives, and a national strategy for artificial intelligence from 14.10.2024 № RP-358. A national "Digital Government" program, adopted under Presidential Resolution PR-257 from 08.07.2026, set the framework for much of the e-government modernization described below. Two annual state awards — the President Tech Award and the President AI Award — recognize achievement in the sector.

Digital infrastructure and e-government

Uzbekistan's Unified Interactive State Services portal is the backbone of its e-government system and is currently being modernized with artificial intelligence tools, natural-language-processing chatbots, geospatial data integration, and proactive services that deliver documents and notifications to citizens automatically. The infrastructure behind this system was built with direct Korean participation: a project to expand the storage and processing infrastructure for the e-government system was financed with support from Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), combining concessional financing with tax and customs incentives from the Uzbek side. Following a tender, a major Korean IT company was selected as general contractor and delivered the data-center network infrastructure, servers, and storage systems, along with software for virtualization, cloud services, monitoring, and information-security incident management. A separate data-center project is planned for the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

IT industry and services export

IT Park Uzbekistan is the country's central vehicle for attracting foreign technology companies, offering resident status with tax and customs benefits. By the first half of 2026, 23 companies with Korean capital were registered as residents — up 53 percent from 15 in the first half of 2024, employing 126 specialists in software engineering, technical support, IT consulting, data processing, and business process outsourcing. Among them are LG CNS Uzbekistan, the ITOMAX Central Asia Development Center, and NOMADIAN. Over the same two-year period, the number of resident companies exporting IT services to South Korea doubled, from 12 to 25, and employment among those exporters rose from 145 to 285 specialists, a 97 percent increase. Sector-wide digital services exports reached $2,606,287 in 2025 and $716,970 in the first half of 2026 alone.

Manufacturing capacity has followed the software growth. Global Optical Communication Uzbekistan, a joint venture with South Korean sector partners, produces fiber-optic cable domestically, having manufactured 232,100 kilometers of cable worth 657.5 billion soums between 2022 and 2025, alongside localization of production and new job creation.

Where the cooperation runs deepest

The breadth of Uzbek-Korean digital cooperation is easiest to see sector by sector.

Government-to-government. Cooperation rests on agreements signed between the two countries' digital technology, internal affairs, security, science, and ICT authorities, alongside joint work within international telecommunication and postal bodies. The clearest expression of this is the planned Digital Government Cooperation Center, to open in Tashkent between 2026 and 2028 with Korea's Ministry of Interior and Safety (MOIS), which already cooperates with Uzbekistan on digital government development. Its mandate covers policy consulting, joint research, civil-servant training, and adapting Korean administrative-technology practice for Uzbek systems — including the modernization of the national services portal described above, an international digital-government forum, and a program to train digital-transformation leads inside individual government bodies. Civil-servant training is already running: Korea's LOGODI institute has been upskilling ten Uzbek officials a year, thirty in total so far.

Healthcare. With technical support from Korea's KOFIH (Korea Foundation for International Healthcare), Uzbekistan is digitizing its national screening system with UZINFOCOM, aiming at earlier disease detection and better monitoring. A separate project, backed by a Korean financial institution, is building a hospital information system integrating medical imaging, AI diagnostics, and electronic medical records, alongside staff training. A state technology integrator has signed a cooperation agreement with a Korean private technology company to bring Uzbek-developed digital solutions into the Korean and Southeast Asian markets — early discussions cover HR-management systems and biometric identification for government buildings.

Artificial intelligence. The two countries frame AI cooperation around complementary strengths: Korea brings a developed regulatory framework, a national data platform, prepared datasets, AI safety mechanisms, high-performance computing, and industrial AI experience; Uzbekistan brings an adopted national AI strategy, an emerging open-data system, and an institutional base for applying AI in public administration and the economy. The stated ambition is for Uzbekistan to pilot AI solutions in healthcare, education, and public services, then extend proven models across Central Asia — positioning Korean partners at the front of a regional rollout, not a single national market.

Education. The Tashkent branch of Inha University, operating since 2014, runs a 4+0 bachelor's program in computer engineering, a 3+1 program in business logistics, and a 1+1 MBA in digital transformation, with Korean-language instruction and robotics workshops; close to 670 students have studied in South Korea through its exchange programs, and ten top students go to Inha's home campus each year on Summer School grants. Tashkent University of Information Technologies hosted more than 80 Korean professors between 2018 and 2023, sent 63 students on exchange to South Korean universities, and is building a joint Business-IT program with a Korean partner university, alongside joint tracks in big data and AI, AI-driven fintech, and ICT engineering. Cyber University has moved quickly on Korean ties: KAIST faculty visited in October 2025, a December 2025 delegation to Konkuk University's GLOCAL campus produced an agreement on faculty exchange and joint research, and a separate industry partnership with a South Korean AI company covers applied research and student projects. Cheju-Halla University runs a joint program for a selected group of high-performing Uzbek students.

Government funding underpins much of this training pipeline. KOICA (the Korea International Cooperation Agency) is running a $14 million project to build out Uzbekistan's IT-education ecosystem, and in 2025 alone funded professional training for 45 civil servants at a cost of $450,000. Korea IT Academy co-runs the Uzbekistan Summer Camp together with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technologies, the Center for Digital Education Development, and School 21, alongside a dual-degree program with Uzbek partners. In total, Korean grants and investment for joint projects reached roughly $17 million in 2026 — about $14 million from KOICA and roughly $1 million each from Cheju-Halla University, Korea IT Academy, and MOIS — funding IT education, digital-government cooperation, workforce training, and youth innovation projects. Much of that training tracks Korean labor-market demand directly: software developers, AI engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, cloud and DevOps engineers, mobile and web developers, and GovTech specialists are among the roles Korean employers are seeking from this pipeline.

Alongside these institutional partnerships, the Ministry of Digital Technologies has expanded initiatives to bring more youth into STEM and IT careers.

Korean partners are not being asked to imagine a market. They are already inside Uzbekistan's infrastructure, hospitals, classrooms, and government data systems, with contracts and counterparts in place.

“Our cooperation with South Korea today reaches into nearly every layer of our digital economy — from the fiber-optic plant producing cable for our own telecommunications networks, to the data center that now stores the records of our national digital-government system, to the hospitals adopting Korean-backed diagnostic tools, and the classrooms where Korean professors and Korean grants train our students. Korean partners committed roughly $17 million to joint projects in the past year alone, spanning IT education, digital government, artificial intelligence, and workforce training. This is one of our most substantive technology partnerships, and we intend to deepen it further — through a joint digital government center, expanded AI cooperation, and a wider door for Korean companies into our market and the region beyond it.”

— Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

International positioning

Uzbekistan has been positioning itself as a regional hub for digital cooperation in Central Asia, a role reinforced by its hosting the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) in 2026. For Korean partners, this matters beyond Uzbekistan's own market: solutions piloted domestically are explicitly intended to extend across neighboring Central Asian countries once proven.

Over the next three to five years, the areas most likely to define Uzbek-Korean digital cooperation are the ones already carrying the heaviest institutional weight: the joint digital government center, continued data-center and healthcare-infrastructure financing, AI pilots in public administration and healthcare, and the education and grant pipelines feeding all of it. None of this depends on the outcome of any single meeting — it depends on scaling relationships that already have contracts, campuses, and funding behind them. For Korean partners, that is the signal worth reading: a market already under construction, not one still being pitched.

At a glance

• Korean-capital IT Park Uzbekistan residents grew from 15 (H1 2024) to 23 (H1 2026), +53 percent; resident companies exporting IT services to South Korea doubled, from 12 to 25, over the same period.
• Korean grants and investment for joint digital projects reached roughly $17 million in 2026, led by a $14 million KOICA project to build out Uzbekistan's IT-education ecosystem.
• A Korean IT company built Uzbekistan's e-government data center under EDCF financing; a joint Uzbek-Korean Digital Government Cooperation Center, developed with Korea's MOIS, is planned for Tashkent for 2026–2028.
• Global Optical Communication Uzbekistan, a joint venture with South Korean partners, produced 232,100 km of fiber-optic cable worth 657.5 billion soums between 2022 and 2025.
• Korean partners are engaged across healthcare digitization (KOFIH, hospital information systems), AI cooperation, and education (Inha University's Tashkent branch, TATU, Cyber University, Cheju-Halla University, Korea IT Academy).

The forthcoming state visit of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kyrgyzstan on 30–31 July will mark a new milestone in the development of Uzbek–Kyrgyz relations, which have undergone a profound transformation in recent years—from overcoming accumulated disagreements to building a comprehensive model of strategic cooperation.

Today, relations between the two countries are experiencing one of the most substantive periods in their history. Only a few years ago, a significant part of the bilateral agenda concerned issues relating to the state border, the operation of border checkpoints, and the restoration of mutual trust. However, consistent political dialogue has made it possible to resolve the outstanding issues and create space for a new level of cooperation in industry, investment, energy, transport, cross-border development, and the humanitarian sphere.

At the heart of these changes lies the political will of the leaders of the two states. Reciprocal visits and a shared readiness to seek mutually acceptable solutions have created a new atmosphere of trust that now defines the nature of bilateral cooperation. The regular and trust-based dialogue between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov has brought bilateral relations to a fundamentally new level. The signing of the Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023 was a logical continuation of this course. The document became both a political symbol of rapprochement and an institutional foundation for long-term cooperation, formalizing the transition of relations to a qualitatively new stage.

The main achievement of recent years is that the border between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan is no longer perceived solely as a dividing line. It is gradually becoming a space for economic growth, people-to-people contacts, and shared opportunities. This transformation has been one of the most significant accomplishments of the new era of Uzbek–Kyrgyz relations. The final settlement of state border issues was of particular historical importance.

The signing in Khujand on 31 March 2025 of the Treaty on the Junction Point of the State Borders of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan demonstrated the ability of the region’s states to resolve the most complex issues independently, on the basis of mutual respect and due consideration of one another’s interests.

It is symbolic that the successful completion of the process of resolving border issues in Central Asia has also received international recognition. Adopted on 20 May 2026 at the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic, the United Nations General Assembly resolution entitled “Peaceful Settlement of Border Disputes” established at the global level the principles of resolving territorial issues peacefully through dialogue, mutual trust, and consideration of the interests of all parties. For Central Asia, where historic progress has been achieved in recent years in the delimitation of state borders, the document represented important confirmation of the relevance of the region’s accumulated experience and recognition of the contribution made by Central Asian countries to international security.

The political and legal foundation that has been established is now undergoing further institutional development. The leaders’ declarations and agreements are supported by a comprehensive set of mechanisms, including the Supreme Interstate Council, the Intergovernmental Commission, the Interparliamentary Commission, the Business Council, and formats for interregional cooperation. Significantly, the twelfth meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission was held in Cholpon-Ata in June this year, during which the parties agreed on further measures to expand trade, industrial cooperation, and transport and energy interaction.

The intensive political dialogue is naturally reflected in the economy, which today serves as one of the clearest indicators of the changes that have taken place. Over the past ten years, bilateral trade has increased more than sevenfold, from USD 167.5 million to USD 1.2 billion. Last year alone, growth of 40 percent was recorded.

At the same time, Uzbekistan has become one of Kyrgyzstan’s largest trading partners, accounting for approximately 7 percent of its foreign trade turnover. It is noteworthy that mutual trade has become considerably more diversified in recent years.

Whereas bilateral trade was previously based mainly on the exchange of agricultural products, it is now increasingly dominated by higher value-added goods and products from processing industries. In particular, more than 90 percent of Uzbek exports consist of processed products (40 percent), finished goods (45 percent), and services (6 percent).

A clear example of this progress is the growing number of enterprises involving capital from the two countries. More than 300 enterprises with Kyrgyz investment currently operate in Uzbekistan, while around 70 enterprises involving Uzbek businesses operate in Kyrgyzstan. This indicates that the business communities of the two countries increasingly regard each other not only as markets for their products, but also as partners in joint production and the development of long-term industrial ties.

The Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Development Fund has become an important instrument in supporting this trend. The decision to increase its authorized capital to USD 200 million significantly expands opportunities to finance projects in industry, agriculture, logistics, energy, construction, tourism, and services. This is helping to create a more sustainable economic foundation for bilateral cooperation. In the future, joint ventures could become the core of cross-border production chains targeting third-country markets by combining Uzbekistan’s industrial capacity, Kyrgyzstan’s natural resource and energy potential, and the advantageous geographical position of both countries.

The dynamic growth of trade and industrial cooperation has naturally increased the importance of transport connectivity, which is becoming one of the key areas of the new stage of Uzbek–Kyrgyz cooperation. In recent years, cooperation has moved beyond the modernization of roads and border checkpoints toward the implementation of regional-scale infrastructure projects. Chief among them is the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, which opens a new chapter in the transport integration of Central Asia.

After almost three decades of discussion, the project has entered the implementation stage. With a total length of 538 kilometres, the railway will connect China’s western regions with Central Asia and provide the shortest overland route toward the Middle East and Europe.

The new railway is expected to shorten the freight route between China and Europe by approximately 900 kilometres, reduce delivery times by seven to eight days—almost one-third—and carry up to 15 million tonnes of cargo annually.

For Kyrgyzstan, the project means transforming from a landlocked country into an important Eurasian transit link. For Uzbekistan, it means diversifying export routes, strengthening ties with China, and improving the resilience of foreign trade. At the same time, the project’s significance extends far beyond the construction of a railway. Logistics centres, industrial zones, and new production facilities will emerge along the route. Combined with the development of the Trans-Afghan Transport Corridor, this will create the conditions for Central Asia to become one of Eurasia’s key transport and logistics hubs.

Energy cooperation occupies a special place in the Uzbek–Kyrgyz partnership. For many years, water and energy issues remained among the most sensitive aspects of relations between the countries of the region. Today, however, a fundamental shift is taking place: rather than focusing on differences, the parties are increasingly concentrating on joint solutions.

The most ambitious example of this approach is the construction of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant, which Kyrgyzstan is implementing jointly with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The project, valued at approximately USD 4 billion, envisages the construction of a hydropower facility with a capacity of 1,860 MW and annual electricity generation of 5.6 billion kWh, making it one of the largest energy facilities in Central Asia.

The project’s importance goes far beyond the energy sector. For the first time in the region’s history, three states are jointly implementing an infrastructure project of this scale, sharing investment, risks, and future benefits. Its implementation will strengthen regional energy security, enhance the sustainability of the water and energy balance, and expand opportunities for mutual electricity supplies.

At the same time, the sustainability of the strategic partnership is determined not only by large-scale infrastructure projects. The humanitarian dimension of cooperation, rooted in the historical closeness of the two peoples and intensive interpersonal contacts, plays an equally important role.

More than 300,000 ethnic Kyrgyz currently live in Uzbekistan, where six Kyrgyz cultural centres and more than 50 schools offering instruction in the Kyrgyz language operate. Kyrgyzstan, in turn, is home to a large Uzbek community that forms an integral part of the country’s social and cultural fabric. These humanitarian ties have become one of the most important sources of trust between the two states.

The most vivid practical manifestation of the level of trust achieved can be seen in the Fergana Valley, a region where the most complex issues of cross-border interaction had been concentrated for decades. In many ways, the valley serves as a reflection of the processes taking place across Central Asia. Today, it is gradually being transformed from an area of potential disagreement into a territory of cooperation, dialogue, and joint development.

An important symbol of this transformation was the first Fergana Peace Forum, held in the city of Fergana in October 2025 under the slogan “Fergana Valley: Joining Efforts for Peace and Progress.” For the first time, the Fergana Valley became a platform for developing joint solutions. Discussions focused on strengthening trust, advancing cross-border cooperation, unlocking the region’s economic potential, promoting cultural engagement, and enhancing the role of young people in ensuring sustainable peace.

A notable feature of the Fergana Forum was the holding of Yntymak Day, or “Day of Unity,” under its auspices. Since 2023, the event has been held in Kyrgyzstan as a platform for strengthening dialogue among government bodies, civil society institutions, and international organizations in support of peace and harmony in the region. In 2025, it was held in Uzbekistan for the first time.

The emerging atmosphere of cooperation is reflected not only in political initiatives but also in the growth of humanitarian contacts between the citizens of the two countries. Cooperation in tourism expanded considerably in 2025. Kyrgyzstan is among the largest sources of tourists visiting Uzbekistan. While approximately 652,000 Kyrgyz citizens visited the country in 2021, the figure reached 3.3 million in 2025. The growth in mutual travel demonstrates that open borders and improved transport links are already having a direct impact on everyday contacts between the people of the two countries.

Cultural exchange is also expanding. Days of Culture, joint festivals, educational programmes, and events dedicated to the legacy of prominent figures from both nations are strengthening Central Asia’s shared humanitarian space. The legacy of Chinghiz Aitmatov, whose works form part of the region’s common cultural heritage, carries particular symbolic importance.

Joint events marking anniversaries associated with his life and work demonstrate that culture is becoming an important means of strengthening mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Kyrgyzstan’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027–2028 adds an international dimension to the Uzbek–Kyrgyz partnership. This historic achievement not only reflects the high degree of confidence that the international community places in Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy, but also opens new opportunities to promote Central Asian interests on the global stage.

For Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan’s membership of the Security Council offers an additional opportunity for closer coordination on regional security, sustainable development, the water and climate agenda, transport connectivity, and the strengthening of multilateral cooperation. It will enable the countries to advance Central Asia’s shared interests more consistently, building on the high level of trust and strategic partnership established between the two states.

Kyrgyzstan’s election can also be regarded as a shared achievement for the region, reflecting Central Asia’s growing international standing and recognition of the policy of good-neighbourliness and constructive cooperation pursued by the region’s states.

Against this background, the issue of further deepening the Uzbek–Kyrgyz strategic partnership is taking on particular significance. Whereas the previous stage of bilateral relations focused on restoring trust, resolving accumulated disagreements, and creating a solid political and legal foundation for cooperation, the success of the current stage will largely depend on the ability of the two states to make joint use of emerging opportunities and translate the level of political trust achieved into sustainable institutional mechanisms for long-term development.

This is especially relevant in the context of implementing major projects designed for decades to come, including the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant, the expansion of industrial cooperation, and the formation of new transport, logistics, and production chains. Their effectiveness will depend not only on the volume of investment but also on the parties’ ability to ensure predictable conditions for cooperation, coordinated decision-making, and the long-term stability of the mechanisms they establish.

The development of cross-border cooperation remains one of the most promising areas. The final settlement of state border issues has created opportunities to transform border regions into spaces of shared economic growth. Further improvement of cooperation mechanisms between border regions, the implementation of joint infrastructure projects, and stronger interregional ties could make these areas one of the key drivers of bilateral cooperation.

At the same time, construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is creating the conditions for the establishment of joint logistics and industrial zones along the route, the development of modern multimodal terminals, and the digitalization of customs and border procedures. This will make it possible to transform the new railway from merely a transport route into a fully fledged economic corridor that stimulates industrial development and attracts international investment.

The development of industrial cooperation offers equally important prospects. The next stage could involve the establishment of sustainable cross-border production chains, expanded cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises, joint access to third-country markets, and the further removal of remaining administrative barriers to mutual trade and investment.

The strong complementarity of the two economies creates opportunities for deeper sectoral specialization, particularly in the agro-industrial sector. The establishment of joint clusters for the advanced processing of agricultural products would significantly increase added value, improve the competitiveness of producers, and expand export potential.

At the same time, climate change and the growing risks posed by transboundary natural hazards are objectively broadening the strategic partnership agenda. In these circumstances, strengthening mechanisms for the joint prevention of and response to emergencies, developing information-sharing and early-warning systems, and coordinating efforts to ensure the environmental security of border areas are becoming increasingly important.

The further development of water and energy cooperation remains another major priority. The Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant project already demonstrates a transition toward a new model of regional cooperation based on joint investment, shared infrastructure management, and the distribution of benefits. In the future, the principles of mutual consideration of interests, equitable benefit-sharing, and collective responsibility for the rational use of water resources could form the basis of a modern system of regional water and energy partnership.

Thus, the further development of the Uzbek–Kyrgyz strategic partnership will be determined not only by maintaining a high level of political dialogue but also by consistently strengthening the institutional foundations of cooperation. This approach will ensure the sustainability of the progress achieved and create a solid basis for implementing joint projects in the interests of both states and Central Asia as a whole.

In conclusion, Uzbek–Kyrgyz relations are currently experiencing perhaps the most dynamic stage in the independent history of the two countries. The strategic partnership between Tashkent and Bishkek extends far beyond bilateral cooperation and is becoming an important factor in shaping a new architecture of interaction in Central Asia.

The joint settlement of border issues, implementation of major infrastructure projects, advancement of regional initiatives at the United Nations, and expansion of opportunities for coordinating international efforts demonstrate that Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are moving from resolving accumulated problems to jointly shaping the future. This model of partnership is becoming one of the key sources of stability, connectivity, and international agency for Central Asia as a whole.

Azamat Sulimanov
Head of Department, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS)

Shakhlo Khamrakhodjaeva
Leading Research Fellow, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS)

At a time when economic sectors are changing rapidly and digital technologies are penetrating every sphere of life, new challenges are emerging for education systems. Higher education must nurture a generation capable of developing ideas, making scientific discoveries and creating innovative solutions that contribute to the development of countries.

From this perspective, taking cooperation among the Turkic states in higher education, science and innovation to a new level is of particular importance. Our countries are united by a shared history, closely related cultures, spiritual values and traditions of mutual understanding.

The 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, scheduled to take place in Ankara on 29–30 October this year, is also important for advancing this cooperation, strengthening mutual trust and identifying new opportunities for promising initiatives. On the eve of the summit, it is timely to reflect on the challenges facing higher education in the Turkic states, the opportunities available and the directions for future cooperation.

From a Shared History to Shared Development

The centuries-long history of the Turkic peoples is closely intertwined with the development of education, crafts, trade and cultural ties. Great thinkers, scholars and intellectuals from the Turkic world have made significant contributions to the development of world civilisation. Their scholarly legacy continues to serve as an outstanding example of the pursuit of knowledge, freedom of thought and enlightenment.

The task of today’s generation is not merely to preserve this rich heritage, but also to align it with the demands of modern development. To achieve this, it is important to expand links between educational institutions, create opportunities for young people to gain international experience, support cooperation among scholars and put research findings into practice.

Cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States can serve these objectives. Its effectiveness depends above all on clearly defining common goals, supporting them with practical programmes and consistently building on the results achieved.

In higher education, this approach covers several important areas. First, strengthening academic ties between universities can improve the quality of education and enhance research capacity. Second, exchanges of students and academic staff broaden young people’s horizons and help them acquire new knowledge and experience. Third, joint research projects make it possible to find solutions to shared challenges facing the Turkic states and to use available intellectual resources more effectively.

Most importantly, integration in education should promote mutually beneficial cooperation while taking into account each country’s national interests and distinctive characteristics.

Uzbekistan’s Path Towards a Turkic Education Space

Uzbekistan is paying particular attention to modernising higher education, expanding international cooperation and strengthening the integration of science and industry. Key priorities include aligning educational programmes with international requirements, training specialists in partnership with foreign universities, developing research activities and building modern infrastructure.

One initiative in this direction is the establishment of the International University of Turkic States. Established in Tashkent in accordance with Resolution No. PP–24 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, dated 24 January 2025, “On Measures to Establish the International University of Turkic States”, the university is intended to expand multifaceted cooperation among the Turkic states in higher education, science, innovation and technology.

The university’s main objective is to train highly qualified and competitive specialists who meet the needs of the modern economy and international educational standards, as well as to develop joint academic and research projects.

In our view, the university’s significance goes beyond the establishment of a new educational institution. It creates new opportunities to bring together the scientific and intellectual potential of the Turkic states, strengthen practical links between their education systems and introduce international experience into the national educational environment.

In developing the university’s activities, particular attention is being paid to achieving practical outcomes from cooperation. These efforts include aligning educational programmes with partner universities, engaging foreign lecturers in the teaching process, establishing modern laboratories and organising students’ industrial placements through international cooperation.

This approach will help transform the university from a conventional educational institution into a modern academic environment that connects education, research and industry.

International Cooperation: Quality Education and New Opportunities

Cooperation with leading higher education institutions in Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan plays an important role in the work of the International University of Turkic States. This cooperation aims to develop academic fields, improve curricula, draw on the experience of academic staff and create new academic opportunities for students.

In the 2025/2026 academic year, specialist training began in five fields in cooperation with Turkish universities: medicine, computer engineering, electrical engineering, agricultural mechanisation and food technology.

Cooperation in these fields is being carried out with Hacettepe University, Middle East Technical University (METU), Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Ege University in Türkiye.

The selected fields correspond to key needs of the modern economy. Training qualified medical professionals is essential for protecting public health and improving the quality of healthcare services. Computer and electrical engineering are key areas for the digital economy, industrial automation and the adoption of new technologies. Knowledge in agricultural mechanisation and food technology is directly linked to improving the efficiency of the agricultural sector, ensuring food security and using resources responsibly.

In the 2026/2027 academic year, the scope of cooperation is being expanded through new fields developed with universities in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Five additional programmes are planned in petroleum and gas engineering, chemical engineering, the technology and engineering of geological exploration, telecommunications technologies, and international and comparative law.

Cooperation in this area involves the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Azerbaijan Technical University and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

Thus, the cooperation programmes planned for two academic years are expected to cover ten fields of study. This demonstrates the university’s commitment to bringing together the experience of different countries within a shared academic environment.

An important feature of this cooperation is that it goes beyond increasing the number of academic fields. It also involves aligning curricula and course syllabuses with international requirements, engaging foreign specialists in teaching, using digital learning resources and enabling students to take part in international placements.

These mechanisms lay the groundwork for updating educational content, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical skills and improving graduates’ competitiveness in the labour market.

Modern Infrastructure — The Foundation of Quality Education

The effectiveness of international cooperation is measured above all by how it is reflected in the educational process. This requires qualified educators, up-to-date curricula, research laboratories and infrastructure designed to develop students’ practical skills.

Practical work is under way in these areas at the International University of Turkic States. In March 2026, a clinical simulation and practical skills centre began operating for medical students. Equipped in line with the curricula and clinical standards of Hacettepe University, the centre enables students to practise emergency medical care, preliminary diagnosis and treatment procedures using modern simulators and robotic devices.

Such centres help ensure a close connection between theory and practice in the professional training of future doctors. Before entering a real clinical environment, students can strengthen their knowledge and skills by simulating a range of situations.

Modern computer laboratories and software platforms meeting current requirements have also been established in engineering and programming fields. Work to develop laboratory facilities for petroleum and gas, chemical and electrical engineering is continuing.

In addition, student accommodation, an information and resource centre, and co-working spaces have been provided for students and visiting international lecturers. These facilities are intended to create a comfortable environment for learning, independent research and teamwork on joint projects.

The launch of a digital learning platform at the university is another important step. It brings class schedules, learning materials, assessment processes and academic monitoring together in a single digital environment.

Today, digitalisation is not merely the introduction of technical tools; it is also a means of changing the culture of educational management, using data effectively and increasing transparency in the learning process.

Integrating Science and Industry

The potential of a modern higher education institution is determined not only by the knowledge delivered in classrooms, but also by its research, links with industry and ability to solve practical problems.

Demand for new technological solutions is growing across many sectors of the economy. The effective use of scientific advances in energy, the chemical industry, agriculture, telecommunications, medicine and information technology has become an important condition for competitiveness.

For this reason, cooperation among universities in the Turkic states should be strengthened through joint research, shared laboratories and the practical application of scientific developments. Bringing together each country’s research traditions, specialist expertise and existing infrastructure can lead to more substantial results.

The International University of Turkic States also faces the task of strengthening integration among education, fundamental science and enterprises in the real economy. Establishing targeted cooperation with economic sectors is important for improving students’ practical training, advancing research and helping graduates find employment.

In this regard, it is important to study employers’ workforce needs in advance, adapt educational programmes to those needs, organise industrial placements systematically and involve students in research projects.

Another promising area of scientific cooperation is artificial intelligence and digital innovation. Establishing joint centres of expertise in big data analytics, cybersecurity, digital governance and the use of intelligent systems could open up new opportunities for the Turkic states.

Issues such as climate change, the responsible use of water resources, food security and the development of renewable energy sources also require joint research by scholars from our countries. Many of these challenges transcend national borders. As a result, regional scientific cooperation is becoming increasingly important in finding solutions.

A Common Academic Space: New Opportunities for Students and Scholars

Academic mobility plays a particularly important role in deepening the integration of higher education among the Turkic states. Students studying in another country for a certain period, academic staff delivering lectures and researchers participating in joint projects all strengthen the exchange of knowledge and experience.

Effective academic mobility requires mutual recognition of learning outcomes, harmonised educational programmes, transparent assessment criteria and clear administrative procedures for students. These mechanisms make it easier for learners to continue their studies in another country on the basis of the knowledge they have acquired at home.

In this regard, promising priorities include developing academic mobility programmes among the Turkic states, expanding access to grants and scholarships, and increasing the number of joint degree programmes.

Joint degree programmes allow students to benefit from the academic experience of two countries. However, their success depends on carefully addressing issues such as the compatibility of educational content, quality assurance and recognition of graduates’ qualifications.

The International University of Turkic States is also focusing on aligning curricula with partner universities, involving foreign professors and organising student placements at partner institutions in Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

Going forward, expanding this experience, increasing exchange opportunities for students and young researchers, and supporting joint research projects could take educational ties among the Turkic states to a new level.

Another important priority is supporting young scholars and start-up initiatives. Research competitions, innovation projects and start-up accelerators that bring together students and researchers from different countries can help generate new ideas and turn them into practical solutions.

A Shared Goal: An Educated Generation and Sustainable Development

Today, the Turkic states face serious challenges alongside significant opportunities. Changes in the global economy, technological competition, environmental problems and new labour-market demands require education systems to be continually renewed.

In these circumstances, the greatest asset of our countries is human capital. Young people’s access to quality education, acquisition of modern professional skills, independent thinking and ability to generate new ideas will shape the future of our states.

Therefore, cooperation in higher education should not be viewed merely as a way to meet today’s demand for skilled workers. It is a strategic direction aimed at long-term development, strengthening scientific capacity and creating new opportunities for future generations.

Further developing cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States can strengthen ties between our universities, expand joint research and create conditions for young people to demonstrate their potential in an international academic environment.

The International University of Turkic States also serves these objectives. Cooperation with leading universities in Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, educational programmes aligned with international requirements, modern laboratories and academic mobility opportunities are practical steps towards achieving them.

We are confident that the consistent development of mutually beneficial cooperation in education and science will further strengthen the intellectual potential of the Turkic states. This is important not only for our universities, but also for the innovative development of the entire region, its economic competitiveness and a sustainable future.

If our shared history brought us together in the past, shared knowledge, scientific research and worthy goals will bring our futures even closer. The new opportunities for higher education in the Turkic states lie precisely in this vision: enriching our common heritage with modern knowledge, uniting our intellectual potential and working together for shared development.

Bahodir Turaev,
Acting Rector of the International University of Turkic States

The global economy has entered a stage in which sustainable development is no longer merely a declarative agenda but has become one of the key criteria for assessing trust in governments, companies, and financial institutions. As a result, ESG standards are now viewed not as an image-building tool, but as a means of evaluating reliability, governance quality, technological maturity, and long-term competitiveness.

For reference: ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) refers to business principles under which a company considers its impact on the environment, society, and the quality of governance while seeking to achieve sustainable development and minimize risks.

Today, this trend is naturally shifting from voluntary commitments toward stricter requirements, including non-financial disclosure, climate reporting, independent verification, carbon regulation, supply-chain oversight, and measures to combat greenwashing—that is, the unjustified presentation of activities as environmentally sustainable.

Notably, according to available estimates, global ESG assets exceeded USD 30 trillion in 2022 and may reach USD 40 trillion by 2030. At the same time, sustainable bond issuance amounted to approximately USD 1.1 trillion in 2025. This demonstrates that sustainable development has become part of the global financial infrastructure rather than a narrow area of corporate policy.

Against this backdrop, Uzbekistan is shaping its own model of sustainable development based on national priorities. Water and energy security, employment, social stability, improved performance of state-owned enterprises, greater transparency in governance, and stronger investment appeal are of particular importance to the country.

A key feature of Uzbekistan’s approach is that the ESG agenda is not being developed in a fragmented manner, but as part of broad reforms implemented under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy, the transition toward a green economy, national sustainable development goals, the green taxonomy, the MRV system, ESG reporting by state-owned enterprises, social protection, the development of mahallas, and anti-corruption measures together form a unified framework for public policy.

A new stage in the institutional development of ESG was formalized by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 221 dated May 4, 2026. The document approved rules for introducing environmental, social, and corporate governance principles, preparing ESG reports, and disclosing information on sustainable development. As a result, ESG in Uzbekistan is moving from a broad strategic framework toward a specific system of implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

This is therefore not a collection of isolated initiatives, but a new logic of governance. The economy must not only grow, but also remain sustainable; state-owned enterprises must not only be large, but also transparent; social policy must not only compensate for hardship, but also support development; and the environmental agenda must not only protect nature, but also carry economic significance.

The environmental pillar remains the most developed area. Given Uzbekistan’s water scarcity, high climate vulnerability, the consequences of the Aral Sea crisis, and the need to modernize the energy sector, the green economy is an objective necessity.

Key documents signed by the Head of State define the main areas of environmental transformation: the development of renewable energy, improved energy efficiency, the introduction of water-saving technologies, emissions reduction, waste recycling, the expansion of green spaces, the restoration of natural ecosystems, and the creation of an emissions-monitoring system.

As a result, environmental policy is gradually moving beyond traditional nature conservation and becoming part of the country’s economic strategy. At a time when the carbon footprint is becoming a factor in export competitiveness, energy modernization, reduced water losses, and improved industrial efficiency are gaining not only environmental but also macroeconomic importance.

Alongside the environmental agenda, Uzbekistan’s sustainable development model includes a strong social dimension. This includes reducing poverty, expanding employment, supporting women, protecting vulnerable groups, developing mahallas, improving infrastructure, and raising living standards.

It is the social pillar that gives the reforms a human dimension. The green transition must not be limited to reporting and technical indicators. It must remain people-centered, since changes in energy, water management, and industry may affect employment, tariffs, access to resources, and household income structures.

At the same time, the aforementioned government resolution establishes ESG as an integrated system in which environmental indicators are not considered separately from social and governance factors. The focus extends beyond emissions, energy, and water to include governance quality, labor practices, risks affecting stakeholders, data transparency, and management accountability.

The quality of governance is becoming a key condition for the effectiveness of the ESG agenda. In today’s environment, investor confidence depends not only on macroeconomic indicators, but also on institutional transparency, corporate governance, information disclosure, and the predictability of public policy.

Uzbekistan has made notable progress in this area. Digital monitoring, the KPI system for government bodies, anti-corruption policy, ESG reporting by state-owned enterprises, and a national system for measuring, reporting, and verifying climate and ESG indicators for emissions accounting are all being developed.

Changes in the public sector are particularly significant. In recent years, substantial progress has been achieved in improving the investment appeal of state-owned enterprises. By the end of 2025, 17 state-owned enterprises had received international credit ratings, while seven had obtained publicly available ESG ratings. This indicates a transition from a closed administrative model toward the standards of international financial discipline.

In practice, the public sector is becoming subject to external assessment, public reporting, and corporate accountability. Ratings require the disclosure of risks, financial discipline, a clear strategy, and stronger governance. Through this mechanism, ESG is moving from the conceptual level into the practical sphere of corporate management.

Within this framework, the government resolution is of fundamental importance. It stipulates that state-owned enterprises undergoing transformation must introduce ESG reporting rules from July 1, 2026, and prepare ESG reports in accordance with disclosure standards by November 1, 2026.

Based on the above, the following conclusions may be drawn:

First, ESG is becoming a strategic instrument for modernizing Uzbekistan’s public sector and economy. Its significance extends beyond environmental policy and encompasses investment, social sustainability, and competitiveness.

Second, reforms implemented under the leadership of the Head of State are transforming sustainable development from a set of declarations into a system of practical governance. Reporting, the green economy, social policy, transparency, and ESG standards are becoming elements of a unified reform architecture.

Third, in the new global economy, the advantage belongs to countries that grow sustainably, transparently, and predictably from an investor’s perspective. This is precisely where Uzbekistan’s competitive opportunity lies: in turning sustainability into a source of trust, capital, and long-term development.

Thus, ESG is not an external slogan for Uzbekistan, but an internal logic of development. It is a mechanism for connecting economic growth with responsibility, investment with trust, reforms with quality of life, and national interests with the requirements of the new global economy.

1. Nizamov

Head of Department

Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

1. Sattorov

Leading Research Fellow

Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan