Uzbekistan and the OTS: New Horizons for Investment Cooperation and Priority Projects

📅 12.05.2026

Uzbekistan has historically been a proactive driver in strengthening ties among Turkic-speaking nations. Following a period of limited engagement, a pivotal turning point occurred in 2018 when the President of the Republic attended the 6th Summit of the Organization as a Guest of Honor. In 2019, the country ratified the Nakhchivan Agreement, officially becoming a full member of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Since joining, Uzbekistan has proposed 116 specific initiatives, more than half of which have already been successfully implemented. The economic impact of this strategic course is evidenced by the data: at the end of 2025, trade turnover with OTS member states increased by 9.6%, reaching $10.8 billion.

Investment cooperation also shows a steady upward trend, with 4,352 enterprises operating with capital from member states as of early 2026. The Republic of Türkiye remains a key strategic partner, with bilateral relations officially elevated to the level of a Strategic Partnership in 2017. Türkiye leads all OTS countries in the number of enterprises established in Uzbekistan, reaching 2,137 units. Investment collaboration in 2025 was characterized by the utilization of funds totaling $3.2 billion, while trade turnover during the same period amounted to $3.024 billion. Transport connectivity is exceptionally robust, with 97 scheduled weekly flights operating between the cities of both nations across eight different routes, including Istanbul and Ankara.

Kazakhstan stands as Uzbekistan's largest trading partner within the Organization, with trade turnover growing by 11.4% in 2025 to nearly $5 billion. There are 1,212 enterprises with Kazakh capital successfully operating in the republic. The transport sector demonstrates immense scale, with freight volume exceeding 22.3 million tons in 2025, the majority of which—19.6 million tons—was transported via rail networks.

The dynamics of economic relations with Kyrgyzstan are marked by the highest growth rates in trade turnover, which surged by 37.1% in 2025 to reach $1.199 billion. The parties have solidified a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, facilitating an increase in joint ventures to 346 units. The transport sector recorded a significant rise, with total freight volume growing by 22.4% in 2025 to nearly 5.4 million tons. Export shipments across all modes of transport more than doubled, indicating deep integration of production chains.

In 2024, a fundamental Treaty on Allied Relations was signed with Azerbaijan, opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. Trade turnover between the countries grew by 14.6% in 2025, totaling $307.3 million. In the investment sphere, 367 enterprises with Azerbaijani capital are currently active. The logistics partnership is also strengthening, as total freight volume increased by 28.3% in 2025, supported by 14 weekly flights between the capitals.

Turkmenistan, which participates in the Organization as an observer, remains a vital partner, with trade turnover reaching $1.203 billion in 2025. The launch of the Shavat-Dashoguz joint border trade zone was a practical step toward streamlining commodity exchange. As of early 2026, 270 enterprises with Turkmen capital were functioning in Uzbekistan. In the transport sector, total cargo volume for 2025 amounted to approximately 1.785 million tons, reflecting a positive growth trend of 22.5%.

Hungary also holds observer status and is actively developing high-tech cooperation with Uzbekistan. In 2025, mutual trade grew by 41.7%, reaching $117.4 million. Although there are 20 enterprises with Hungarian capital in the republic, their projects are notable for their significant scale. These include the establishment of poultry clusters in the Syrdarya region valued at $165 million and a $59 million project for the construction of water treatment facilities in "New Tashkent."

The successful implementation of initiatives and steady growth in economic indicators confirm that Uzbekistan has found the OTS to be an effective instrument for advancing its national interests. Further deepening industrial cooperation and developing the region's transit potential create a solid foundation for transforming this space into a significant global manufacturing and trade hub. The strategic course toward closer integration with the Turkic world opens new prospects for attracting innovation and large-scale investment into key sectors of the national economy. Continuing this policy will not only strengthen the republic's international standing but also ensure long-term socio-economic prosperity for all member states of the Organization.

The "Vatandoshlar" Public Foundation announces a competition for young compatriots abroad to visit the "Anor" summer resort in Uzbekistan!

📅 03.06.2025

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

Uzbekistan–Georgia Relations: Contemporary Priorities for Bilateral Development

📅 30.06.2026

The history of the partnership between Uzbekistan and Georgia provides a compelling example of how two countries, bound neither by alliance commitments nor by historical dependency, have come to recognize each other as genuine strategic partners.

One of the key priorities of Uzbekistan's contemporary foreign policy is the expansion of cooperation with the countries of the South Caucasus. This approach reflects Tashkent's consistent policy of diversifying its external economic relations while strengthening regional connectivity. Within this framework, the South Caucasus is regarded as an important partner capable of contributing to Uzbekistan's sustainable economic growth, expanding the country's transport and logistics opportunities, and enhancing its overall foreign economic potential.

The growing importance of the South Caucasus stems from its role as a natural bridge between Central Asia and Europe. Amid the ongoing transformation of global logistics and the emergence of new transport and economic corridors, this role has become increasingly significant, reinforcing Uzbekistan's interest in practical cooperation with the countries of the region.

Georgia occupies a special place in this strategy due to its considerable transit potential, well-developed transport infrastructure, and favorable conditions for expanding trade, investment, and humanitarian cooperation.

Although diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Georgia were established in the early years of independence, they remained overshadowed for many years by other pressing national priorities in both countries. For nearly two decades, bilateral relations developed largely by inertia: annual trade turnover fluctuated between US$30 million and US$50 million, high-level contacts were infrequent, and joint projects remained limited in number.

A turning point came after 2017, when Uzbekistan, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, embarked on a policy of openness and active integration into regional and global economic processes. Within this broader strategy, the South Caucasus emerged as one of Tashkent's important foreign policy priorities. Georgia was among those partners whose bilateral relations required comprehensive reassessment and renewed political attention.

The first high-level dialogue after a fifteen-year hiatus took place in September 2017, when, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the President of Uzbekistan met with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The meeting sent a strong political signal of both countries' commitment to revitalizing bilateral cooperation and laid the groundwork for expanding contacts across multiple levels of government.

In the years that followed, political dialogue steadily intensified. Parliamentary relations were established, regular contacts were launched between the heads of government and the foreign ministries, and annual official meetings between the Prime Ministers of Uzbekistan and Georgia became an established practice.

In 2023, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov paid an official visit to Georgia. In 2025, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze made a reciprocal official visit to Uzbekistan, during which he held talks with the President of Uzbekistan, as well as meetings with the Prime Minister and the leadership of both chambers of the Oliy Majlis.

The steady strengthening of political dialogue has created a solid institutional foundation for the progressive development of Uzbek–Georgian relations. A central role in this process is played by the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, whose work focuses on implementing bilateral agreements, eliminating existing barriers, and identifying new avenues for cooperation.

The effectiveness of these institutional mechanisms is reflected in the consistently positive performance of bilateral economic relations, particularly in trade. Over the past nine years, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Georgia has tripled, exceeding US$267 million in 2025. By comparison, bilateral trade amounted to only US$89.1 million in 2017.

The highest level of bilateral trade was recorded in 2024, when trade increased by nearly 50 percent compared to the previous year, reaching a record US$326 million.

Equally noteworthy is that this growth has been driven not only by increasing trade volumes but also by the diversification of its structure. Whereas bilateral trade once consisted of a relatively limited range of commodities, today its product composition has become considerably broader.

Uzbekistan exports industrial goods, including non-ferrous metals, copper wire, rolled metal products, and electrical equipment, alongside food products such as legumes, fruit, and tobacco, as well as chemical products, including polymers. Georgia, in turn, exports food products, beverages, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and metal products to Uzbekistan.

An important indicator of the expanding trade and economic cooperation has been the growing investment activity of the business communities of the two countries, reflected in the establishment of joint ventures. Today, around 100 enterprises with Georgian capital operate in Uzbekistan, while more than 140 Uzbek companies are active in Georgia. This demonstrates the growing level of mutual trust between business circles, as well as their interest in maintaining a long-term presence in each other’s markets.

The continued positive dynamics of economic cooperation suggest that the two countries have the necessary prerequisites to move beyond a trade-based model toward deeper industrial and investment cooperation. The most promising areas include the textile industry, agriculture and food production, pharmaceuticals, construction, and services, where the economies of both countries possess complementary advantages.

One of the key dimensions of Uzbek–Georgian relations is the expansion of transport and logistics links between Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe. It is in this area that the interests of the two countries align most naturally.

For Uzbekistan, the use of Georgia’s transport infrastructure to access European markets is of particular importance. The ports of Poti and Batumi are key elements of this logistics chain. For Georgia, in turn, increased cargo flows from Uzbekistan and other countries of the region create opportunities to expand trade ties with Asian states.

According to experts from the Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, positive dynamics are also observed in bilateral freight transportation. By the end of 2025, the total volume of cargo transportation between Uzbekistan and Georgia reached 146.8 thousand tons. Export shipments increased by 27 percent to 53.4 thousand tons, while import shipments rose by 26 percent to 71.5 thousand tons.

In this context, the development of the Middle Corridor is gaining particular importance. Today, it is regarded as one of Eurasia’s most promising transport arteries, opening new opportunities for route diversification and the growth of international trade. Over the past five years alone, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade cargo transportation along this route has doubled, reaching 1.2 million tons by the end of 2025.

At the same time, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Georgia in this field is moving beyond the basic use of existing transport infrastructure toward the creation of a dedicated logistics base. A vivid example is Uzbekistan’s construction of a multifunctional logistics terminal in the Poti Free Industrial Zone. The project provides for the creation of a modern warehouse complex covering around 30 hectares and designed to handle various categories of cargo, including containerized, general, bulk, and perishable goods.

The implementation of this project will create an important logistics hub for ensuring the supply of Uzbek products to European markets. At the same time, the terminal will be used to organize reverse cargo flows, thereby contributing to increased trade not only between Uzbekistan and Georgia, but also with other Central Asian states.

It is transport and logistics partnership that has the greatest potential to become the main driver of Uzbek–Georgian relations in the coming years. While at this stage the parties are focused on trade and infrastructure modernization, in the long term the goal is to create a full-fledged economic corridor linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and European markets.

In parallel with the development of these large-scale routes, people-to-people ties are also strengthening. In recent years, mutual interest among citizens of the two countries in tourist travel has grown noticeably. Thanks to direct flights from Tashkent to Tbilisi and Batumi, operated 13 times per week, the number of Uzbek tourists visiting Georgia has been steadily increasing, exceeding 21.5 thousand people in 2025.

For its part, Uzbekistan is attracting growing interest among Georgian travelers wishing to discover the country’s unique cultural heritage, including Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and other ancient cities. Over the past seven years, the tourist flow from Georgia to Uzbekistan has increased more than 2.5 times — from 3 thousand people in 2019 to 6.8 thousand people in 2025.

Thus, relations between Uzbekistan and Georgia are currently at a stage of steady and progressive development. Whereas ten years ago bilateral interaction was based mainly on diplomatic contacts and limited trade ties, today, as we can see, a new format of partnership is taking shape, covering the political, economic, transport, and humanitarian spheres.

Of particular importance is the fact that this expansion of cooperation is taking place against the backdrop of major changes in the international economy and global logistics. As new transport routes between Asia and Europe are being formed, Uzbekistan and Georgia are objectively becoming important elements of a single space of connectivity.

The realization of this potential in the medium term will depend on the readiness of both sides to support political will with genuine economic interest. Such an approach will give new practical substance to the partnership between Uzbekistan and Georgia and will make it possible to build a sustainable model of cooperation based on pragmatism, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to sustainable development.

Miraziz Mirumarov
Leading Research Fellow
Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies
under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Proposals for the development of engineering education were considered

📅 20.06.2024

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Inno innovative training and production technopark in Almazar district of the capital.

This technopark was established three years ago. Innovative ideas and inventions for the development of industrial sectors are developed here. In order to train young people in modern professions, cooperation with higher educational institutions has been established. Every year seminars and workshops are held with the participation of about 15 thousand students and pupils.

There are more and more such innovation centers in our country. Industry, energy and information technologies are developing, new complexes are being launched. They require engineers and technicians with up-to-date knowledge and qualifications.

The activity of higher engineering schools established at Tashkent State Technical University, Bukhara Institute of Engineering and Technology, Tashkent State Transport University, Fergana Polytechnic Institute, Tashkent Architecture and Construction University and Tashkent University of Information Technologies has been presented to the President.

The decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated February 2, 2024 sets a number of tasks in this direction. In particular, according to the decree, the organizational and managerial activities of higher education institutions that train personnel in engineering and technology are being improved. The existing training programs are being studied and fundamentally changed in accordance with modern technologies and the requirements of employers.

The head of our state was informed about it.

At the first stage, higher engineering schools will be opened at 10 institutions of higher education. The supervisory board of the schools will include not only scientists, but also representatives of partner enterprises.

Two-year master's degree programs will be implemented in these schools, candidates will be selected on the basis of manufacturers' orders. In the first year, students will design new products on the orders of enterprises, conduct scientific research and study in in-depth modular programs. In the second year, they will test at enterprises technological processes related to the creation of prototypes of new products.

The President paid attention to the practical applicability and effectiveness of scientific research in higher educational institutions. It was noted that the attention paid to the education system should be really embodied in scientific achievements.

The head of state also familiarized himself with the inventions and advanced developments of researchers. In particular, energy-efficient devices, a cooling system protecting transformers from overheating under load, chemical reagents important for the oil and gas industry, modern approaches in construction, including road construction, engineering projects for hydraulic structures and modern solutions in the field of information technologies were presented.

New Uzbekistan strategy – a new way of supporting the young generation

📅 08.07.2024

18.9 million of the population of Uzbekistan or 54 percent are young people and children under 30 years of age. 9.5 million of young people are male and 9.4 million are female.

More than 50 laws and regulations were adopted in 2017-2021 in order to strengthen the legal basis of state policy regarding youth in the republic, and June 30 was declared as "Youth Day ".

As a result of the socio-political and economic reforms implemented in our country in recent years, a step has been taken to a completely new level of development. Youth , culture and sports issues was established in the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan , a "Youth Parliament" consisting of 100 active and enterprising young people under the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and 250 active and initiative young people under the Legislative Chamber, a commission on youth issues was established in the Legislative Chamber. 22.9 percent of business entities operating in the republic or 106 thousand 574 of them belong to young people under the age of 30 will come 21.5% of individual entrepreneurs are young people under 30 years old. Also, more than 3.5 thousand young farmers and about 7.8 thousand young craftsmen are working in the country.

In the 2019 elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 9 (6%) young people were elected as deputies, and 10% of local council deputies are young people.

The "Brave Boy" state award and the "Builder of the Future" medal were established to reward young people between the ages of 14 and under 30, who set an example for their peers with their activity and initiative in the social and political life of the country, as well as who have achieved great achievements in their studies and work. At the core of these practical results are consistent and effective reforms carried out on the basis of the renewed strategy of reforms and the strong will of the head of state regarding youth policy.

The strategic goal of the state youth policy implemented in the republic is to create conditions for every young person to get a free education, to carry out productive work, to realize themselves and to develop creatively, and to raise the level of social life in all aspects , which made it possible to accumulate valuable experience in our country. At this point, it should be emphasized that, along with state organizations, non-governmental organizations operating in our country are actively involved in the search for talented young people and their support. For example, it is important that one of the main directions of the state policy regarding youth is aimed at supporting the talents and abilities of young people. At the same time, in 2019, by a special decree of the President, the "Hope of the Country" fund under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was established. Thousands of talented young people through educational grants awarded by this foundation

Our country has the opportunity to study in prestigious universities of developed foreign countries and learn advanced foreign experience. In particular, for the 2022-2023 academic year, 420 students and masters received scholarships and grants for studying abroad from the "Hope of the Country" fund. We can see that these practical works are being carried out in accordance with the goals of the development strategy of New Uzbekistan. Because, according to the 50th goal of the development strategy for 2022-2026, through the "Hope of the Country" fund, to double the scope of sending free and creative thinking young people to study at prestigious foreign universities, in which fifty percent of young people are trained in technical, exact sciences and IT fields and conducting open selection contests for bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies in the most prestigious universities of foreign countries, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs of foreign higher education institutions important goals such as announcing and conducting an open competition were set by the Foundation for the purpose of participation in educational programs. As a result of the practical work carried out by the Foundation, a number of young people have mastered the knowledge and skills required by the times and are applying them to a number of areas of reforms in our country.

One of the urgent tasks of this organization in the fields of education, science, technology, information technology, culture, art, sports, and entrepreneurship, and the tasks of encouraging and supporting their various initiatives.

         As the President of Uzbekistan stated at the Youth Forum of Uzbekistan, "No matter what reforms we try in our country, we will first of all rely on young people like you, on your energy and determination. As you all know, today we have set ourselves huge goals. We have begun to create the foundations of the Third Renaissance in our Motherland. We consider the family, pre-school education, school and higher education as well as scientific and cultural centers to be the most important links of the Renaissance. For this reason, we are implementing fundamental reforms in these areas. I believe that in creating a new foundation for the development of our country, you, our devoted and patriotic youth, will actively participate and make a worthy contribution."

In the "New Development Strategy of Uzbekistan", which serves as a unique road map of the renewed reforms aimed at realizing the potential of such determined young people.

One of the priority directions of the state policy regarding youth in our country is the issue of ensuring youth employment, providing them with education, and training them in the profession. During the meeting with young people within the framework of the 2021 Youth Forum, the head of state asked for new and very relevant proposals in this regard. In particular, from now on, governors of regions, districts and cities, ministers and responsible leaders should hold regular meetings with young people, governors should develop and implement "road maps " aimed at solving the problems of young people, and report to local councils on this issue every six months. it was decided to give and determine the plans for the next six months.

An important initiative was put forward at the forum, such as the organization of vocational and entrepreneurship training for unemployed and unorganized youth within the framework of the "Youth: 1+1" program. Based on the principle "Each entrepreneur helps young people", the initiative to connect one unemployed youth to one entrepreneur was actively supported by many of our entrepreneurs. The head of state approved this noble action, which can provide employment to at least 500,000 young people.

         Within the framework of this initiative, during the past period, a number of activities have been carried out to train young people, provide them with jobs, and direct them to entrepreneurship, so that the level of unemployment among young people is significantly decreasing.

In this place, in the following years, in order to further accelerate youth reforms, including reducing unemployment, further expanding the scope of vocational training, and providing comprehensive support to talented young people, with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated January 18, 2021 "A youth-oriented state in Uzbekistan Policy Development until 2025" Concept was approved. According to it, as a result of the statements of the state policy on youth, opportunities will be created to further strengthen the economic potential of the country and to widely apply advanced practices.

And also it is expected that by 2030, Uzbekistan will be among the first 30 advanced countries of the world according to the PISA (The Program for International Student Assessment) rating .

At the same time, adaptation of educational programs to international standards (PISA, STEAM), coverage of children in pre-school educational institutions, youth comprehensive schools and higher educational institutions will be gradually increased due to the expansion of opportunities for non-state educational institutions. In particular, 80 percent of children under 3-7 years of age in the republic are enrolled in pre-school education organizations.

To increase the cultural level of young people, the number of libraries, theaters, cinemas, museums, parks and other cultural institutions will be gradually increased, and the capacity of sports facilities will be increased by 30% by creating conditions for young people to engage in mass sports.

Conditions will be created for youth to engage in public sports in neighborhoods; IT-parks will be established in all regions, Digital technology training centers will be established in districts (cities), about 200,000 young people will be trained on the basis of the "One million Uzbek programmers" project.

Conditions will be created for young people to use high-quality, fast and cheap Internet services, provision of double growth of communication and information services will be the most important results of the "Youth of Uzbekistan - 2025" concept.

         In conclusion, it can be said that by 2030, our country will become one of the "countries with an income above the average", the country's gross domestic product will exceed four thousand dollars per capita, and our economy will double from its current state. The effective implementation of the concept "Youth of Uzbekistan - 2025", which is an important legal basis, is of great importance. The fact that young people of any country have intellectual potential, knowledge and modern profession remains an important factor of the country's development.

 

Asrorjon Sattorov,

                                 The University of Public Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan Associate professor

The President visited the mausoleum of Imam Bukhari

📅 15.06.2024

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the mausoleum of Imam Bukhari on June 15, on the eve of the holy Eid al-Adha holiday.

Surahs from the Koran and dua were recited.

In conversation with religious figures, they talked about the conditions created for the development of science and enlightenment, education of youth in the spirit of patriotism and respect for national values.

Renovation of the complex is underway. The head of state familiarized himself with the progress of construction and finishing works.

The President concluded his visit to Samarkand and left for Tashkent.

The Termez Dialogue: A New Regional Architecture of Connectivity between Central and South Asia

📅 19.05.2026

The contemporary system of international relations is being shaped by rapid geopolitical changes, growing fragmentation, disruptions in transport and supply chains, climate change, and increasing risks to food and energy security. Under these conditions, trust, dialogue and practical cooperation among states are becoming more important than ever. For Central and South Asia — two historically interconnected regions with significant yet not fully realized potential — connectivity has acquired not only economic, but also strategic, political and civilizational significance.

The initiative to strengthen connectivity between Central and South Asia, advanced by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, represents a timely response to this historical and geopolitical demand. Its core idea is that security cannot be ensured solely through military or political instruments. It must also be built through economic development, transport corridors, trade links, education, culture and human capital. In this sense, development is not merely a consequence of security; rather, it is one of its fundamental preconditions.

This approach gained institutional form in July 2021, when Tashkent hosted the high-level international conference “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities” at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The forum created an important political and expert platform for advancing interregional cooperation. Its international recognition was further demonstrated in 2022, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution “Strengthening Connectivity between Central and South Asia.” Initiated by the President of Uzbekistan and supported by more than 40 states, the resolution confirmed that Uzbekistan’s vision has significance not only at the national or regional level, but also for the wider international community.

The Termez Dialogue is a practical continuation of this diplomatic and intellectual process. Launched in May 2025, it has emerged as a permanent platform aimed at creating a stable, systematic and practice-oriented environment for cooperation between Central and South Asia. Its first meeting attracted considerable attention from the international expert community due to its broad participation, multilateral format and applied focus. The growing interest in this initiative was also reflected in the organization of a separate session on the Termez Dialogue during the Doha Forum in December 2025.

The second meeting of the Termez Dialogue, scheduled for 4–6 June 2026 in Tashkent, Termez and Samarkand, is expected to mark a new stage in the development of this platform. The main emphasis will shift from general conceptual discussions to the identification of specific priorities and practical mechanisms. In other words, the Dialogue is intended not only to exchange views, but also to generate concrete outcomes in political dialogue, economic connectivity, transport and logistics, climate adaptation, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation.

One of the key features of the Termez Dialogue is that it reflects Uzbekistan’s proactive, pragmatic and open foreign policy. Uzbekistan does not position itself as a state forced to choose between competing blocs, but rather as a reliable platform for dialogue among different regions, markets and civilizations. In this regard, the Termez Dialogue forms part of a broader system of initiatives, including the Fergana Peace Forum, the Samarkand Climate Forum, the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative, and proposals within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on good-neighbourliness, trust and cross-border partnership.

Transport and logistics remain among the most important dimensions of connectivity between Central and South Asia. The countries of Central Asia are landlocked and therefore face structural limitations in accessing global markets. Diversifying transport routes, reducing logistics costs and facilitating access to external markets are essential for the region’s long-term economic development. According to available estimates, the level of transport connectivity of Central Asian states with external markets is around 60 per cent, while in the European Union and ASEAN countries it exceeds 95 per cent. In some cases, transport costs in Central Asia may reach up to 50 per cent of the final value of goods, which is several times higher than the global average.

In this context, the Trans-Afghan Corridor has strategic importance. It can provide Central Asian states with the shortest access to the ports of the Indian Ocean and link South Asia with the markets of Central Asia, Russia, China and Europe. This project is not limited to railway construction or transport infrastructure. It is also an instrument of regional economic integration, Afghanistan’s involvement in peaceful development processes, and the formation of a new trade architecture in Eurasia. Through this approach, Uzbekistan seeks to transform its geographical constraints into logistical advantages.

Afghanistan occupies a special place in this process. It is a natural land bridge connecting Central and South Asia. Uzbekistan’s policy toward Afghanistan is consistent and practical. Since 2021, Uzbekistan has sent 15 humanitarian convoys to Afghanistan, delivering more than 13,000 tons of humanitarian assistance. At the same time, bilateral trade and economic relations have been developing dynamically. In 2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan reached 1.7 billion US dollars, which is 55 per cent higher than the previous year. These figures demonstrate that Uzbekistan views Afghanistan not as a source of problems, but as an important participant in regional development and stability.

The choice of Termez as one of the central locations of this initiative is also highly symbolic. Historically, Termez has been a meeting point of trade, culture, science and religious traditions between Central and South Asia. The city played an important role in the history of Bactria, the Kushan Empire, the Great Silk Road and wider civilizational exchange. Today, Termez is becoming Uzbekistan’s southern gateway and a modern centre of practical cooperation with Afghanistan and South Asia.

There are concrete examples of this transformation. The Termez International Trade Centre, opened on 29 August 2024, covers 36 hectares and is located only 500 metres from the border with Afghanistan. A 15-day visa-free regime has been introduced within the centre. Its infrastructure includes more than 3,000 shops, customs facilities, banking services, public service centres and export-oriented platforms. The annual export potential of products represented in the trade zone is estimated at 1.2 billion US dollars. More than 1,000 local residents and about 140 Afghan citizens are employed there. This shows that connectivity is not an abstract political slogan, but a practical reality linked to jobs, exports, services and human livelihoods.

Another important example is the Termez Cargo Centre, an international transport and logistics hub operating since 2016. Located near the intersection of Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, the centre has been used since 2021 by the United Nations World Food Programme and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for delivering humanitarian cargo to Afghanistan. Thus, Termez is becoming not only a trade and logistics hub, but also an important point of humanitarian diplomacy.

The Educational Centre for Afghan Citizens, established in Termez in 2018, also reflects Uzbekistan’s long-term investment in human capital. The centre provides education for Afghan youth in 17 higher education fields and 16 vocational and secondary-specialized areas. Since its establishment, more than 800 Afghan citizens have studied there, including 200 girls and women. These figures demonstrate the importance of education and professional training in stabilizing Afghanistan. Peace is strengthened not only through political agreements, but also through an educated, skilled and socially active generation.

Another important dimension of the Termez Dialogue is climate and environmental sustainability. Central and South Asia are among the regions most affected by the consequences of climate change. Water scarcity, desertification, soil degradation, air pollution, glacier melting and natural disasters are not only national challenges, but also transboundary problems. Therefore, climate adaptation, rational use of water resources, early warning systems and the exchange of digital hydrological data should become integral components of cooperation between the two regions.

Uzbekistan is taking an active role in this field as well. The Samarkand Climate Forum, regional climate summits, the Green Agenda, the regional strategy for climate adaptation and environmental protection programmes are important steps in this direction. These initiatives show that Central Asia is no longer merely a region affected by environmental problems; it is increasingly becoming an active regional actor proposing practical solutions.

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation forms one of the deepest foundations of interregional connectivity. The peoples of Central and South Asia have been linked for centuries through shared history, trade routes, science, culture and spirituality. Today, the demographic potential of the two regions also creates major opportunities: more than 60 per cent of the population is under the age of 30. This opens broad prospects for cooperation in education, science, academic exchange, innovation and human capital development.

From this perspective, the Termez Dialogue is not only a meeting of diplomats and experts. It should also serve as a platform that opens new opportunities for young people, scholars, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, cultural actors and civil society representatives. Economic projects require trust, and trust requires closer ties, mutual understanding and cultural dialogue among peoples.

The planned visit to Samarkand also carries deep symbolic meaning. For centuries, Samarkand served as a centre of science, trade and diplomacy connecting East and West, Central and South Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The “Spirit of Samarkand” reflects openness, tolerance, dialogue and a commitment to shared development. In the diplomacy of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Samarkand has become a platform that connects Uzbekistan’s historical legacy with modern international initiatives.

In conclusion, the Termez Dialogue is not an ordinary international event aimed only at bringing Central and South Asia closer together. It is a strategic platform that reflects Uzbekistan’s new foreign policy thinking, regional responsibility and global initiative. Its foundation rests on three interconnected principles: trust through dialogue, cooperation through dialogue, and shared development through cooperation.

The international community is increasingly recognizing Uzbekistan’s efforts in this direction. The adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution, the support of more than 40 states, and the growing interest of international organizations, experts and regional partners in the Termez Dialogue clearly demonstrate this trend. Through this platform, Uzbekistan is building a new bridge of trust between Central and South Asia — a bridge strengthened by trade routes, railways, educational programmes, cultural ties and humanitarian initiatives.

Therefore, the Termez Dialogue should be viewed as an emerging architecture of interregional cooperation. It contributes to the formation of Central and South Asia not merely as neighbouring geographic spaces, but as a macro-region united by common interests, shared security and a common future. In this process, Uzbekistan acts as an initiator, organizer and reliable bridge between the two regions.

 

Sadullaev Qudrat Yusubbaevich
Chief Research Fellow of the Academy of Public Policy and Administration under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Doctor of Law (DSc)

The awakening lion: the era of renewal

📅 20.08.2024

Hey, great Turan, land of lions!
What has become of you? What are these days you endure now?
Oh, glorious cradle of Genghis, Timur, Oghuz, and Attila!
Where have the esteemed seats you once held gone?..
Abdurauf Fitrat
An American politician once said of the current life and fate of the Central Asian region: ‘They are neither post-Soviet nor post-communist countries now’.
Today no specialist knowledge is needed to understand this idea, which suggests that such labels are outdated in the research community. For example, ten to fifteen years ago the political behaviour of Central Asian societies – neighbours for thousands of years – was prone to national separatism, mutual dislike and latent hostility, but today they have undergone a remarkable transformation. Ideologues and ordinary Central Asians only a couple years ago endeavoured to prove their superiority, their antiquity and, for these very reasons, their greater belonging to the historical and cultural heritage of the region. Though they still might hurl some sharp insults at each other, now they have become united neighbours.
Every day we see and hear of events that illustrate this unity and provide concrete evidence of it. Meanwhile, as already noted, some latent and outdated policies of these neighbouring countries towards each other still attempt to turn the common cultural heritage of the region into a language of hatred.
As a result of Soviet nationalisation and post-Soviet ideologisation, these five states in the Eurasian centre, the land that once founded great empires and was famous throughout the world, unfortunately turned away from one another after gaining independence. This, in turn, allowed the region to remain a geopolitical object for the modern world’s empires.
At this moment, I do not intend to delve into the geopolitical picture of the region and its current situation. I would like to share my brief thoughts on the bold steps and the international image of what Uzbek leadership is calling ‘New Uzbekistan’. The country is transforming day by day and now has the ability to directly influence regional processes.
These joyful events have made me take up my pen.

August 2024 began with good news. That month’s two important events to which I would like to draw attention, are related to the growing role of New Uzbekistan in world politics, culture, and modern history. These were the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan and his participation in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana, as well as the historic victory of our athletes at the Olympic Games in Paris.
True, some may argue, “Well, the President has repeatedly participated in meetings in this format, and our athletes have delivered victories commensurate with those from other countries. What’s the big deal?”
But I also have a question for such people: When did the world powers take Uzbekistan, which will soon be celebrating thirty-three years of independence, so seriously? When have this country and its long-suffering people been recognised as independent subjects of international politics? When did our country’s representative reach thirteenth place in a set of international competitions in which athletes from more than two hundred countries took part? When was the anthem of Uzbekistan played eight times at such prestigious competitions? When was our flag raised thirteen times over the winners' podium? And when else did we hear that ‘Uzbek athletes have no equal in the world!’?
Of course, no one will be able to contradict me when I say that these two factors are the worthy fruit of the hard work of our country’s president Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
I would like to say a few words about the meetings in Kazakhstan. The details of this visit vividly demonstrated the results of Mirziyoyev’s changes in regional policy, which he put into place eight years ago.
The first meeting of the Interstate Supreme Council, which took place 7-9 August 2023, was cochaired by Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
This was the first time in our history that the leaders of these two Central Asian states have met to agree on multifaceted supranational cooperation, which is recognised by the world community and international experts as one of the main locomotives of international affairs in the modern world. In the past, despite supranational general concepts such as ‘Central Asia’, ‘regional unity’ or the substanceless slogan ‘Turkestan is our common home’, the identity of the region as a whole has remained extremely blurred. The actions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the two main powers in the region, towards this end are an important step in transforming these previous abstractions into a concrete plan. We will talk about this a little later, but for now let us focus on the first meeting of the Interstate Council.
The visit hosted meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, as well as a business forum, political consultations, a think tank forum and intellectual games. The organizers of the meetings also organised cinema days and other cultural events to strengthen the unity of Central Asian peoples in cultural terms as well as economic and political.
One of the most significant events of these meetings was the adoption by the leaders of the two countries of the Programme for Strategic Partnership and Allied Cooperation for 2024-2034. This document undoubtedly marks the beginning of a new stage in Uzbek-Kazakh relations of friendship and good neighbourliness.
Economic relations between the two parties have already reached record highs in recent years. As a result of previous meetings, such as economic forums and business meetings of the parties, solid agreements worth $7 billion were signed.
‘We have opened a new chapter in our multifaceted relations – we have held the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. This format is an expression of the highest level of interstate cooperation and clearly demonstrates the close ties between our countries and peoples and their firm desire to strengthen cooperation in all areas,’ Mirziyoyev said at the meeting.
Of course, this unprecedented level of cooperation between the two countries did not go unnoticed by the world community and international experts. Analysts and think tanks commented widely on the details of the visit. In particular, Roy Anthony Rogers, Deputy Director of the Asia and Europe Institute at the University of Malaya (Malaysia), outlined his observations as follows:
‘Thanks to the strong historical ties and personal friendship between the leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the current state of Uzbek-Kazakh relations is characterised by special dynamics, a high level of mutual understanding and trust. I believe that this visit of the president of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan is of historic significance not only for the peoples of the two countries, but also for the prosperity of the entire Central Asian region.’
Praising Uzbekistan’s policy of regional cooperation, Nasri Al Saadi, Managing Partner of Premium Construction (Qatar), focuses in his article on the sincere actions of the neighbouring countries:
‘The two leaders are committed to uniting the region and coordinating efforts through consultative meetings and the Central Asia Plus platforms, which are becoming increasingly popular mechanisms for international cooperation. They actively support each other on global and regional political issues’.
Of course, my aim is not to summarise or comment on the opinions of foreign analysts on this historic meeting. My intention is to tell you about the activities of Mirziyoyev, who is striving with equanimity and wisdom to achieve his goal of transforming Uzbekistan’s previous isolation into regional openness and is achieving great success. After all, I am always proud to be a contemporary and compatriot of a person who has glorified and continues to glorify the name of the Uzbek people and Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan: Strengthening cooperation within the Turkic World and new horizons of development

📅 12.05.2026

On May 15, 2026, an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States will be held in the city of Turkestan.

 

The upcoming high-level event will serve as a vital platform for discussing pressing issues of cooperation and defining the next priority areas for the development of interaction among member states.

The formation of the Turkic integration space has a multi-century history, rooted not only in the commonality of language, culture, and historical heritage but also in the rich traditions of enlightenment and intellectual thought of the Turkic peoples. The Jadidism movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries played a pivotal role in shaping the ideas of cultural and spiritual rapprochement. Its representatives advocated for education, science, social modernization and the strengthening of ties between the Turkic nations.

The first summit of the heads of Turkic-speaking states was held in 1992 in Ankara at the initiative of Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Özal. In the 1996 Tashkent Declaration, the heads of state solidified the provision for establishing a Secretariat. Over the following years, this format evolved consistently, leading to the establishment of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States in Nakhchivan in 2009. At the 2021 Istanbul Summit, a decision was made to transform the entity into the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This reflected the expansion of the organization's activities and its growing international significance.

The primary objective of the organization is to develop comprehensive cooperation among the member states - Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan. Priority tasks include strengthening mutual trust and good-neighborly relations, coordinating foreign policy positions and expanding cooperation in trade, economic, transport, energy, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Special attention is paid to creating favourable conditions for trade and investment, developing scientific and technical cooperation and improving the living standards of the region's population.

The organizational structure of the OTS includes a number of key institutions that coordinate multilateral cooperation. The Council of Heads of State is the supreme body, which defines strategic development goals and holds regular meetings. The Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States serves in a consultative capacity. Bringing together influential representatives from member states, it serves to strengthen the traditions of mutual understanding and trust within the Turkic world.

Uzbekistan has been an active participant in the processes of bringing Turkic states closer and developing multilateral cooperation within this format from the very beginning. A new turning point was President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's participation as a guest of honour in the 6th Summit of Turkic-Speaking States, held on September 3, 2018, in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. This step provided a new impetus to the organization's development. In 2019, the Republic ratified the Nakhchivan Agreement, officially formalizing its full-fledged participation in the activities of the OTS.

With Uzbekistan’s accession, the organization’s activities and the cooperation agenda among member states have intensified significantly. At the summits held between 2019 and 2025, the President of Uzbekistan put forward 116 initiatives aimed at deepening multifaceted cooperation. To date, 64 of these have been implemented, with several other projects currently in their final stages. These figures demonstrate Uzbekistan’s systematic and practical approach toward developing integration processes within the Turkic space.

The implemented initiatives cover a comprehensive range of areas. In the fields of economy and transport, the introduction of the “e-Permit”, “Digital TIR” and “Green Corridor” systems - aimed at streamlining logistics processes and developing the region's transit potential - has been of particular importance. In the tourism sector, key highlights included the declaration of Kokand as the Tourism Capital of the Turkic World and the implementation of the “Tabarruk Ziyorat” (Sacred Pilgrimage) project, which serves to develop pilgrimage tourism.

Cooperation in the fields of youth policy, science, and education is developing actively. Youth leadership forums, international conferences, and events within the framework of the Turkic Universities Union are being held regularly. At the same time, significant attention is paid to innovative development - IT forums, startup platforms and meetings of sectoral agencies are organized, including cooperation in the space industry and defence sectors. This reflects the striving of member states to form a unified technological space.

Uzbekistan's chairmanship, which began following the outcomes of the 2022 Samarkand Summit, holds particular significance for the development of the Organization of Turkic States. During this period, the country not only intensified practical cooperation but also introduced institutional innovations to the organization's activities. In particular, for the first time, the practice of developing a comprehensive Concept and Action Plan for the chairmanship period was introduced. This made it possible to give the cooperation a more systematic and consistent character. Within the framework of the chairmanship, more than 100 events were held at various levels, covering key areas from economy and transport to science, culture and education.

Today, OTS agenda is being shaped taking into account the interests of all participating states, with each country contributing to the development of integration processes.

Economic cooperation within the OTS framework demonstrates steady positive growth. According to the results of recent years, Uzbekistan's trade turnover with the member states of the organization has been consistently increasing and exceeded USD 10.8 billion in 2025. Kazakhstan and Türkiye remain our country's primary trading partners. At the same time, an increase in bilateral trade with other member states is also being observed. This indicates the deepening of economic integration and cooperation ties within the region.

From this perspective, the upcoming summit of the Organization of Turkic States to be held in the city of Turkistan will serve as a vital platform for discussing future directions of multilateral cooperation and developing new joint initiatives. Given the summit's theme, special attention is expected to be paid to digital transformation, the development of joint innovation ecosystems, the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies, strengthening cooperation in digital infrastructure and the training of highly skilled modern personnel.

At the same time, discussions are planned to cover the strengthening of trade and economic ties, the development of transport and logistics connectivity, the expansion of investment cooperation, as well as the promotion of joint high-tech and innovative projects within the Turkic space.

According to experts, Uzbekistan, as a supporter of deepening practical cooperation and strengthening mutual trust within the Turkic space, will continue to actively contribute to the realization of the organization’s common goals. The expected agreements and initiatives are anticipated to provide a new impetus to integration processes, serve the sustainable development of the region, and further enhance the international prestige of the Organization of Turkic States.

 

Dunyo IA

Preliminary results of parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan announced

📅 28.10.2024

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

Building Peace through Knowledge: Uzbekistan’s Expanding Cooperation with UNESCO

📅 29.10.2025

Today, Uzbekistan continues to steadily strengthen its cooperation with the international community in education, science, culture, and innovation. In this process, the country’s partnership with UNESCO holds a special place. Uzbekistan became a member of UNESCO in 1993 – a historic step that paved the way for integrating the national education system, scientific potential, and rich cultural heritage into the global intellectual space.
The opening of the UNESCO Office in Tashkent in 1996 marked a new milestone in bilateral relations. Moreover, the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO was established to ensure sustainable cooperation, which has since become an active platform for dialogue and partnership.
Throughout this collaboration, Uzbekistan has consistently implemented international norms and principles in education, science, and sports. One of the important steps in this direction was the ratification, in 1997, of the 1960 Convention against Discrimination in Education, aimed at promoting equality and fairness in the education system. In the same year, Uzbekistan also acceded to the 1989 Convention on Technical and Vocational Education, which contributed to expanding opportunities for young people to acquire modern professions and practical skills, linking education closely with real life.
These measures have played a key role in strengthening Uzbekistan’s position in the global educational space and demonstrate the country’s firm commitment to promoting human capital development. By joining these conventions, Uzbekistan reaffirmed its dedication to equality and quality in education, youth health and well-being, and to aligning vocational education with international standards.
The Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education
At present, Uzbekistan is taking practical steps toward joining UNESCO’s Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education. This document aims to harmonize international education systems, ensure mutual recognition of diplomas and qualifications, and expand academic and scientific mobility. The initiative will help make Uzbekistan’s higher education system more open and competitive globally, enhance cooperation with foreign universities, and improve the international employability of Uzbek graduates.
On December 10, 2021, Tashkent hosted a High-Level Meeting of Experts on Strengthening Stakeholder Cooperation for the Adoption and Implementation of the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications. National and international experts, government representatives, and higher education institutions discussed the significance of Uzbekistan’s accession to the convention as a key step in integrating the national higher education system into the global academic space.
UNESCO Chairs in Uzbekistan
One of the most effective areas of cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO is the establishment and activity of UNESCO Chairs. Currently, there are nine UNESCO Chairs operating at higher education institutions across the country. Each of them contributes to strengthening international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information, as well as to advancing research potential and promoting the principles of sustainable development.
UNESCO Chairs are established under the UNITWIN (University Twinning and Networking) Programme, launched in 1992 to encourage the exchange of experience and knowledge among universities and to expand global academic cooperation. Today, the network brings together over 700 chairs and research centers in 114 countries around the world.
In most cases, the activities of UNESCO Chairs are financed directly by the universities themselves — reflecting their aspiration to enhance academic prestige and to operate in close cooperation with the international scientific community.
A vivid example of such cooperation is the UNESCO Chair in Education for Sustainable Development at Urgench State University. The Chair has organized more than 20 events involving teachers, researchers, students, NGOs, and international experts. It has also held conferences, launched student exchange programmes, and published joint research papers. Such initiatives not only strengthen the capacity of the national education system but also promote Uzbekistan’s integration into the global scientific and intellectual community.
Rural Development and Human Potential: Supported by UNESCO and the European Union
Uzbekistan is steadily advancing international cooperation in promoting rural development, youth employment, and the enhancement of modern professional skills. A vivid example of this is the project “Development of Employment Skills in Rural Areas of Uzbekistan,” funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNESCO Office in Tashkent.
The six-year project (2020–2026), with a total budget of €9.6 million, is a clear reflection of the strong partnership between the European Union and UNESCO in supporting education reforms in Uzbekistan. The main goal of the initiative is to ensure sustainable economic growth by training specialists equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills that meet the needs of the rural labor market.
Within the project, Uzbekistan’s agricultural education system is undergoing major modernization. Specialists are being trained in such forward-looking fields as intensive horticulture, greenhouse management, agricultural product processing and storage, water management and land reclamation, and the operation of water-saving irrigation systems — all oriented toward practical skills demanded by the modern labor market.
A significant component of the project is the development of a National Vocational Education Strategy, new occupational standards, and educational programmes in agriculture and water management. In addition, pilot educational institutions are being equipped with modern laboratories, learning facilities, and teaching technologies.
Four pilot colleges — in Qorovulbozor, Qo‘shko‘pir, G‘ijduvon, and Qizirik — have been selected to implement the project. They have received modern tractors, technical equipment, computers, and refrigeration units for agricultural product storage. Moreover, four Advanced Vocational Training Centers are being renovated and equipped with up-to-date facilities.
During implementation, the rural labor market was analyzed to assess demand for mid-level specialists. Based on the results, six pilot specializations — including Automated Water Management Systems Technician, Animal Husbandry, Greenhouse Management, Irrigated Land Reclamation, Crop Science, and Farm Management — were introduced, and student admissions began in the 2023/2024 academic year.
In May 2024, an international conference titled “National Frameworks for Quality Assurance” was held within the project, focusing on aligning Uzbekistan’s vocational education system with international quality standards and strengthening human capital.
Additionally, under UNESCO’s “Delta Framework” programme, national ICT competencies are being developed, and special training courses for teachers of pilot institutions are planned.
This initiative serves not only to modernize the vocational education system but also to foster sustainable rural development, enhance youth employability, and improve the quality of life in local communities.
Science and Innovation for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future
In recent years, Uzbekistan has witnessed growing enthusiasm for new scientific ideas, research, and innovation. A shining example of this is the “InnoWeek.Uz” International Week of Innovative Ideas, held annually since 2018. Each year, the event provides a unique platform for bridging science and practice, engaging young researchers in innovation, and expanding global scientific cooperation.
“InnoWeek.Uz” has become a true celebration of creativity, discovery, and technological advancement — a space where scientific potential, imagination, and passion for progress converge. Creating the future through research and innovation, and opening new paths to development through knowledge, lies at the heart of this initiative.
The “InnoWeek.Uz–2024” edition marked a new milestone, featuring the “Science & Innovation for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future” Forum organized under the auspices of UNESCO. The forum brought together young scientists, researchers, and experts from around the world to exchange views on the role of science and innovation in promoting peace and sustainable development. The participants shared their research achievements and discussed new opportunities for global collaboration in science and technology.
Through their work, young scientists inspired others by seeking solutions to modern challenges, developing technologies that serve human welfare, and advancing harmony between nature and society. Discussions at the forum highlighted the role of innovation in economic and social progress, the contribution of science to peacebuilding, and the prospects for future scientific cooperation.
All these initiatives implemented in cooperation with UNESCO deepen Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms in education, science, and culture, while strengthening the country’s ties with the global community.
Today, knowledge and creativity, tradition and innovation, national values and modern approaches unite in Uzbekistan with one shared goal — progress and a sustainable future.
As UNESCO’s noble motto proclaims, “Building peace through education, science and culture” — this principle embodies both the moral and practical essence of Uzbekistan’s policy today. The nation continues to move forward with determination, fostering peace, development, and prosperity through enlightenment and science.

Kongratbay Sharipov,
Minister of higher education, science and innovationof the Republic of Uzbekistan

Transport and Logistics Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and the US: A New Stage of Strategic Partnership

📅 07.08.2026

Relations between Uzbekistan and the United States of America have reached a new level in recent years. Today, this cooperation encompasses strategic areas such as transport and logistics, aviation, infrastructure, digital technologies, financial services, industrial cooperation, and the development of international transport corridors.

As a nation located in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan places special emphasis on accessing international markets, expanding its export geography, and actively integrating into global supply chains. From this standpoint, modernizing the country's transport and logistics infrastructure has become one of the foremost priorities of its economic policy.

The United States, with its advanced technologies, a developed aviation industry, major financial institutions, digital solutions, and global logistics expertise, is a key partner capable of providing Uzbekistan with practical support in achieving these strategic goals.

Following meetings with leading American companies held in New York in September 2025, a portfolio of contracts and promising projects was formed in the fields of civil aviation, mining, finance and innovation, chemicals, energy, and other priority sectors, with a total value exceeding $100 billion.

In 2025, of the total 60,400 tons of cargo transported between Uzbekistan and the US, 44,200 tons were carried by rail. Road transport accounted for 13,800 tons, and air freight for 2,400 tons.

In the first six months of 2026, 31,200 tons of cargo were transported between Uzbekistan and the US. Of this volume, 30,700 tons were imports from the US to Uzbekistan.

The intensification of high-level political dialogue creates an important institutional foundation for advancing economic and infrastructure projects. During high-level meetings in Washington in November 2025, discussions focused on the further development of the Uzbek-American strategic partnership, the expansion of trade, economic, and investment cooperation, and the deepening of practical engagement between Central Asia and the United States in the "C5+1" format. The parties particularly emphasized the need to improve institutional mechanisms for promoting joint projects.

Meetings in June 2026 with leading U.S. companies, financial institutions, and business circles also demonstrated that the bilateral economic partnership is entering a practical phase. These meetings were attended by representatives of the U.S. EXIM Bank, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, and major companies such as Boeing, Visa, JP Morgan, Meta, BlackRock, and Air Products. Discussions focused on advancing specific projects in areas such as critical minerals, energy, metallurgy, finance, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies, among others.

The direct link between these sectors and the transport and logistics system is that modern industrial and export chains cannot develop without a reliable logistics infrastructure. Delivering critical minerals, industrial products, high-tech goods, and agricultural products to foreign markets requires multimodal transportation, containerization, warehouse and customs terminals, electronic tracking systems, and responsive transport services.

In this context, infrastructure initiatives such as the construction of a new international airport in Tashkent, data centers, and dry ports hold a special place on the transport and logistics agenda of Uzbek-American cooperation. The new international airport will help expand the country's air transport capabilities, developing air cargo, postal services, express delivery, e-commerce, pharmaceutical transport, and international transit services.

Currently, direct flights are operated on the Tashkent–New York–Tashkent route. This route is vital for developing business ties, tourism, and trade between the two countries.

At the same time, this route serves as an important logistics channel for high-value cargo requiring rapid delivery.

One of the most significant steps in the aviation sector relates to agreements between Uzbekistan Airways and Boeing. In September 2025, the national carrier signed an agreement to acquire 14 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with an option to purchase an additional 8. Later, during the C5+1 summit, the agreement for the additional 8 aircraft was converted into a firm order, bringing the total number of Boeing 787-9 aircraft ordered by Uzbekistan Airways to 22.

The new fleet of long-haul aircraft will allow Tashkent to be transformed into a major air hub connecting North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This will not only increase passenger traffic but also create new opportunities for international air freight.

Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization is also of great importance for the transport and logistics industry. At a meeting on June 25, 2026, with a delegation led by the U.S. Trade Representative, special attention was given to continuing cooperation with and support from the United States in our country's WTO accession process. WTO membership will help harmonize trade rules with international standards, simplify customs procedures, increase the transparency of documentation, and reduce unnecessary barriers in foreign trade.

Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization is also of great importance for the transport and logistics industry. At a meeting on June 25, 2026, with a delegation led by the U.S. Trade Representative, special attention was given to continuing cooperation with and support from the United States in our country's WTO accession process. WTO membership will help align trade rules with international standards, simplify customs procedures, ensure transparency in documentation, and reduce unnecessary barriers in foreign trade.

This process directly leads to lower logistical costs, shorter cargo clearance times, and the creation of a competitive environment for exporters. Furthermore, a trade system compliant with international standards establishes a reliable legal framework for foreign investors and logistics companies. As a result, this expands investment opportunities in modern warehouses, logistics centers, dry ports, customs terminals, and multimodal transportation services.

Growth in trade figures also confirms this trend. While trade turnover between the two countries reached $882 million in 2024, the volume of mutual trade exceeded $1 billion in 2025. Moreover, the activity of approximately 340 American companies in our country's market shows that the United States has become one of Uzbekistan's key economic partners. Major projects being implemented in the energy, critical minerals, transport, agriculture, information technology, and other sectors are further enriching the practical content of bilateral cooperation. This means that the entry of Uzbek products into the US market is becoming a stable trend, and in turn, the demand for transport and logistics services will grow.

Another important area of cooperation is related to digital services and high technology. The growth in exports of IT and digital services targeting the US market indicates the formation of new export sectors in Uzbekistan's economy.

Cooperation within the C5+1 format adds a regional dimension to Uzbek-American transport and logistics relations. The dialogue between the countries of Central Asia and the United States on strengthening trade, investment, the digital economy, supply chains, and transport connectivity is accelerating the region's integration into global markets. For Uzbekistan, this process expands opportunities to diversify international transport corridors, enhance its transit potential, and develop into a regional logistics hub.

Large-scale programs are being implemented in the country to modernize its road and rail networks, terminals, and airports. The fact that more than $12 billion is planned to be allocated for the development of transport infrastructure by 2030 clearly demonstrates the scale and long-term significance of reforms in this area.

This cooperation serves the goals of modernizing Uzbekistan's transport and logistics system, increasing its export potential, integrating into global supply chains, and becoming a competitive logistics hub in Central Asia.

 

1. Abdusamatov, Leading Specialist

Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems

at the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan