Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders: New Opportunities for Investment and Industrial Cooperation

The consultative meetings of Central Asian heads of state are gradually becoming a key mechanism for developing common approaches to regional economic development. Uzbekistan acts as an active initiator of integration processes aimed at strengthening mutual trade, developing industrial cooperation, and creating sustainable transport and logistics chains. Today, the region is shifting from political dialogue to practical partnership based on investment, innovation, and industrialization.

Consistent efforts to harmonize the legal framework, remove barriers, and establish unified industrial standards open new opportunities for attracting capital and implementing joint projects in energy, engineering, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.

Legal Framework of Trade and Investment Cooperation

The legal foundation between regional countries is based primarily on intergovernmental agreements on free trade, mutual protection of investments, and avoidance of double taxation. These documents provide favorable conditions for entrepreneurship, joint production development, and removal of trade barriers. Intergovernmental commissions operating with all Central Asian countries serve as stable platforms for developing concrete solutions, while regular meetings of prime ministers and sectoral ministers contribute to launching new projects and modernizing industrial cooperation.

Kazakhstan: Strategic Partner and Largest Market in the Region

Kazakhstan remains Uzbekistan’s leading partner in Central Asia. In January–September 2025, the trade turnover between the two countries reached USD 3.48 billion, up by 15.5 percent. Exports amounted to USD 1.06 billion and imports – USD 2.42 billion.

The free trade regime ensures active movement of goods and services. Uzbekistan exports machinery, textiles, agricultural products, and construction materials, including vegetables, fruits, finished textiles, cement, plastic products, and mineral water, while importing industrial raw materials, equipment, metals, and food products. Over 1,100 Kazakh-capital enterprises operate in Uzbekistan across trade, IT, construction, and finance sectors.

Interregional cooperation between the two countries is strengthened through the Interregional Cooperation Forum, where billions of dollars’ worth of contracts and project roadmaps are signed annually.

Kyrgyzstan: Deepening Industrial Cooperation

In recent years, relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have reached the level of strategic partnership. The legal framework is based on agreements on industrial development priorities, the Strategic Trade and Economic Partnership Program for 2023–2025, and the plan to boost trade by 2030.

As of January–September 2025, trade turnover reached USD 672.8 million, up by 14.7 percent. Exports totaled USD 422.1 million, imports – USD 250.7 million.

Uzbek exports to Kyrgyzstan include textiles, food products, electrical goods, construction materials, and machinery. Kyrgyzstan exports mineral fuels, ores, agricultural and food products to Uzbekistan. More than 300 Kyrgyz-capital enterprises operate in Uzbekistan, reflecting mutual business interest. New bus and rail routes between cities increase transport volumes and promote tourism, while cooperation in light industry and energy is becoming more comprehensive.

Tajikistan: Expanding Industrial Integration and Joint Investments

Tajikistan remains an important economic partner of Uzbekistan. A free trade agreement is in force between the two countries, and the intergovernmental commission coordinates industrial and infrastructure projects.

In January–September 2025, trade turnover reached USD 571.3 million, up by 17.6 percent. Exports amounted to USD 406.3 million and imports – USD 165 million.

Trade growth was driven by supplies of textiles, food, chemical products, and logistics services. Over 100 Uzbek-capital enterprises operate in Tajikistan, while over 300 Tajik-invested companies operate in Uzbekistan.

A symbol of investment convergence is the Uzbek-Tajik Investment Company, whose capital was increased to USD 100 million. The company finances projects in food processing, pasta production, and modernization of the food industry.

Turkmenistan: Strengthening Partnership in Industry and Logistics

Economic cooperation with Turkmenistan is steadily developing, expanding in industry, energy, and logistics. Long-term cooperation and investment protection agreements provide a stable legal basis for business.

In January–September 2025, trade turnover totaled USD 750 million, including exports of USD 111.1 million (+26.3%) and imports of USD 638.9 million.

Uzbekistan exports mineral fuels, chemical and industrial goods, machinery, and equipment to Turkmenistan, while importing raw materials and petrochemical products. Around 200 Turkmen-capital enterprises operate in Uzbekistan in packaging materials, furniture, textiles, and oil refining.

Transport cooperation is also developing, including joint projects for rolling stock repair and development of the “Shavat–Dashoguz” border trade zone.

Central Asia: Shaping a Unified Industrial and Investment Space

The results of trade and economic cooperation show that the region is ready to move to a new qualitative level of integration. Together with its partners, Uzbekistan is developing common approaches to industrial policy, transport logistics, and investment mechanisms. Initiatives to create joint industrial zones, stimulate cross-border investments, and promote high value-added products are gaining momentum.

In the context of the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders, these trends take on special significance. The focus is on ensuring sustainable growth, implementing green projects, and advancing technological modernization. Cooperation in industry and investment is becoming a key tool for strengthening regional independence and competitiveness.

The consolidation of efforts among Central Asian countries based on mutual trust and pragmatism forms a solid economic foundation for the entire region. Uzbekistan, actively promoting the idea of shared development, is becoming the natural center of integration and the initiator of a new industrial era in Central Asia.