Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan discussed measures to increase trade and facilitate transit transportation

Expansion of trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan discussed with Uzbek partners during a working trip to Tashkent Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliev. He held talks with Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Zhamshid Khodjaev, and also met with the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov.

The parties noted the high intensity of interaction between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan at various levels.

«We are set for close interaction and constructive dialog on all issues on the bilateral agenda. Uzbekistan remains Kazakhstan's main trade partner. We are systematically moving towards the realization of the task set by the heads of our states to bring trade turnover to $10 billion. Therefore, it is necessary to join efforts to increase mutual trade, including by replacing imports from third countries», - Arman Shakkaliyev said.

At the end of last year trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan grew by 28.4% and reached $4.9 billion. For 7 months of this year the volume of trade amounted to $2.5 billion.

During the meetings, representatives of the two countries considered tools to increase the volume of mutual trade, as well as issues of industrial cooperation, investment cooperation, interaction in the transport sector and others. In particular, the parties discussed the transit of Kazakh goods through the territory of Uzbekistan and the opening of a representative office of «QazTrade» JSC in Tashkent.

In conclusion, the two sides confirmed mutual interest in further development of mutually beneficial partnership within the framework of the two Roadmaps on the implementation of agreements reached following the talks between the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in December 2022, and on the realization of investment agreements and trade contracts signed during the visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan.


Reference:

In 2022, exports from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan increased by 30.9% and amounted to $3.6 billion, the volume of imports to Kazakhstan increased by 21.7% and amounted to $1.3 billion.

For 7 months of 2023, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan decreased by 0.4% and amounted to $2.5 bln. Deliveries of Kazakhstani goods to Uzbekistan decreased by 2.7% and amounted to $1.8 bln, imports to Kazakhstan from RU increased by 6.1% and amounted to $721.6 mln.