Mirziyoyev and Tokayev Target $10 Bn Trade Goal at Bukhara Summit
The presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have held a strategic meeting in Bukhara to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation and launching new joint ventures. Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev used the regional summit to outline ambitious economic targets and explore emerging high-tech sectors.
Opening the formal talks Mirziyoyev congratulated his Kazakh counterpart on the successful constitutional referendum. Both leaders praised the format of regular regional meetings as a highly effective platform for addressing key bilateral issues.
Economic ties took centre stage during the negotiations. Trade turnover between the two Central Asian nations reached $5 bn last year and the presidents have now agreed on a strategic goal to double this figure to $10 bn in the near future.
Ambitious trade and infrastructure goals
The two countries are already collaborating on various large-scale projects spanning the automotive industry, logistics, infrastructure, construction materials and electrical engineering. Moving forward the leaders discussed launching fresh initiatives in chemistry, geology, energy and auto component manufacturing.
Particular attention was given to regional connectivity. The presidents focused on developing vital transport corridors, modernising border facilities and resolving logistical bottlenecks to ensure smoother cross-border trade.
Regional mega-projects were also high on the agenda. Mirziyoyev and Tokayev reviewed the ongoing construction of the Kambarata hydroelectric power plant and discussed strategies to boost green energy exports. Furthermore they agreed to strengthen cooperation regarding water management and ecological initiatives including joint efforts to improve air quality in vulnerable border regions.
Green energy and technological innovation
Beyond traditional economic sectors the talks highlighted the need for closer ties in advanced industries. The leaders discussed advancing digitalisation, e-commerce, space technologies and startup support while also committing to facilitating more frequent cultural and youth exchanges between their citizens.
Following the formal negotiations the presidents visited the situational centre at the Bukhara regional administration to observe modern regional management systems in action.
Their itinerary concluded with a special tour of the National AI Hackathon currently taking place in the city. At the event the leaders were presented with innovative artificial intelligence projects designed by young developers to improve state services, transport networks, customs, tax administration, healthcare and agriculture.
