TASHKENT, Uzbekistan: The diplomatic and trade relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have reached new heights, signifying a strategic alliance with promising economic and cultural collaboration.
The state visit of the Kazakh President to Uzbekistan on December 22, 2022, resulted in the signing of crucial agreements on allied relations and the demarcation of the state border, marking a significant step forward in their cooperative efforts.
During this visit, fifteen government-level documents were signed, including agreements to establish the Central Asia International Industrial Cooperation Center, fostering cooperation in environmental protection and education. Notably, trade contracts and investment agreements totaling $8 billion were inked, showcasing the strengthening economic bonds between the two nations.
Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev’s proposal for a joint foreign trade company and an international center for industrial cooperation gained momentum, leading to a trade mission of Kazakhstani producers and service providers in Tashkent. This initiative resulted in the signing of export contracts exceeding $44.1 million.
These developments underscore the shared commitment of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to promoting peace and prosperity in Central Asia amid global economic and political challenges. The deepening economic and cultural ties are poised to boost investment, enhance trade conditions, develop infrastructure, and elevate the quality of life for citizens in both nations.
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Ministerial discussions between Laziz Kudratov of Uzbekistan and Arman Shakkaliyev of Kazakhstan emphasized the swift establishment of the International Industrial Cooperation Center “Central Asia.” The focus was on implementing investment agreements and trade contracts to achieve the target of increasing the bilateral trade turnover from $4.1 billion to $10 billion.
The establishment of UzKazTrade, a jointly created company offering an online trading platform, is pivotal in achieving this goal. Kazakhstan’s robust economic growth, evident in the increased freight transportation by rail and road, signals the development of transport infrastructure and the strengthening of regional trade relations.
The International Monetary Fund’s optimistic GDP forecast for Kazakhstan in 2023, reaching $259.3 billion, positions the country as a leading economic force in Central Asia and the CIS. Kazakhstan’s commitment to shared economic growth aligns with plans to deepen trade relations, with the GDP predicted to further rise to $354.7 billion by 2028.
These economic successes and future aspirations affirm the dedication of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to mutual prosperity. The ongoing diplomatic and trade collaborations emphasize the creation of a conducive environment for sustainable development, reflecting joint efforts to fortify regional cooperation.
Initiatives such as the International Industrial Cooperation Center “Central Asia” and UzKazTrade play pivotal roles in strengthening economic ties. The Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan partnership sets an example of a successful bilateral alliance, fostering positive economic and sociocultural changes, achieving common goals, and building mutual trust and cooperation.
