Central Asia: A Region of Rapid Development and New Horizons
The example of Uzbekistan reflects the dynamics of the entire region.
The interactions between Uzbekistan, as a key player in the region, illustrate the progressive development of Central Asia. Trade and investment are expanding, and agreed-upon standards and logistical innovations are being implemented. The "open door" policy is underpinned by a robust legal framework with all neighbors: free trade and investment protection with Kazakhstan, a declaration of eternal friendship with Tajikistan (2022), transport and railway agreements with Turkmenistan, and a strategic program with Kyrgyzstan through 2030. This architecture has provided markets with transparency and predictability, accelerating trade growth and investor confidence.
Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan: Market Integration
The "law-logistics-business" link with Kazakhstan is fully operational: from January to August 2025, trade turnover reached $3.03 billion (+15%). This was facilitated by the removal of barriers and deepening cooperation. The Intergovernmental Commission and the Samarkand Forum have secured projects worth over $7 billion and trade agreements worth $700 million. Over 1,100 enterprises with Kazakh capital are registered in Uzbekistan, and approximately 5,500 with Uzbek participation are registered in Kazakhstan. This is already an economy of "end-to-end" chains.
Uzbekistan - Tajikistan: Trade and Investment Bridge
Transport and tariff policy are accelerating integration. In 2025, Uzbek exports to Tajikistan showed double-digit growth, rail transit is provided with preferential rates of up to 55%, and total freight traffic in 2024 was approximately 10 million tons. Air travel (four flights per week) and the Dushanbe-Tashkent passenger train have been restored. An Uzbek-Tajik investment company with $100 million in capital is building a "bridge" for joint ventures.
Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan: East-West/North-South Corridors
In 2024, trade turnover exceeded $1.14 billion, and energy imports are rapidly growing. The Shavat-Dashoguz border trade zone is being formed, with total freight traffic reaching 1.11 million tons. Localizing the repair of Turkmen railcars in Andijan is an example of industrial cooperation. Around 200 enterprises with Turkmen capital operate in Uzbekistan, ranging from construction materials and furniture to textiles and agriculture.
Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan: Strategic Framework
The Comprehensive Partnership and the Vision 2030 program have created a roadmap for business. From January to August 2025, trade turnover reached almost $600 million (+12–13%), with Uzbekistan's exports growing and imports from Kyrgyzstan increasing by more than a third. This smooths out seasonality and strengthens logistics. In early 2025, rail shipments showed double-digit growth, with Uzbek producers' exports to Kyrgyzstan increasing by almost 80%. The Council of Border Regions and the "Forum of Regions" format are active.
Regulatory Framework: How Rules Transform into Growth
Growth in the region is driven not only by trade figures but also by the "rules of the game." A CIS free trade zone protocol is in effect with Kazakhstan, integrating national practices. With Tajikistan, the 2022 declaration facilitates the launch of joint projects. With Turkmenistan, agreements for the North-South and East-West corridors are critical. With Kyrgyzstan, over 200 agreements reduce transaction costs, and the intergovernmental commission and plans through 2030 eliminate bottlenecks.
Instead of a Conclusion
Today, Central Asia represents a synergy of established projects and growing markets. Uzbek-Kazakh cooperation and forums with billion-dollar packages provide foreign companies with access to joint clusters, component localization, and the service industry. Advanced competencies in energy, industrial transport, certification, digital logistics, and many other sectors are in demand here.
Central Asia is shifting from "geography" to "economics": integrated rules, transport corridors, growing investment, and interregional cooperation formats are transforming the region into a new center of power. By coming to the summit with a pragmatic agenda, Russia can cement long-term partnerships in energy, transport, and digital services. Uzbekistan's example demonstrates how a contractual framework, intergovernmental commissions, and tariff decisions can trigger growth.
