Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan target $2 bn in trade as presidents hold talks
Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan has increased tenfold in recent years to reach $1.5 bn in 2025.
During a recent meeting between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, the leaders announced plans to boost bilateral commerce to $2 bn. To achieve this target, Tashkent and Bishkek intend to increase mutual product supplies through import substitution initiatives and open respective trading houses.
Entrepreneurs from both nations have already established 450 joint ventures. Moving forward, the governments plan to expand cooperation across the energy sector, geology and critical materials.
Kambarata HPP as central topic
A key priority is the Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power plant. Mirziyoyev and Japarov emphasised the need to swiftly sign the final agreements and commence construction on the regional energy facility. The leaders also agreed to hold a joint regional forum before the end of the year.
Focusing on transport connectivity, the Uzbek presidential press service confirmed an agreement to develop border and trade logistics infrastructure along shared railway routes. The strategy includes the digitisation of permit procedures and the creation of favourable conditions for road hauliers.
These economic developments follow the successful resolution of long-standing territorial disputes. In June, Tashkent and Bishkek completed land demarcation works that resulted in the exchange of border territories.
Several villages formerly belonging to Uzbekistan became part of Kyrgyzstan, while Uzbek authorities received equivalent land in the border region. This diplomatic milestone builds upon Japarov’s 2024 declaration that his nation had formally resolved all border disputes with its neighbours.
