Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan: A New Stage of Strategic Partnership

In 2024, foreign trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan exceeded $4.27 billion, almost double the 2017 level (exports $1.5 billion, imports $2.8 billion). Active work is underway to implement the leaders' agreement to increase this figure to $10 billion by 2030.

Uzbekistan exports textiles, mechanical engineering products, construction materials, and food to Kazakhstan, while importing metallurgical products, wheat, petroleum products, and electricity. The expansion of the range of exports and the growth of trade volumes demonstrate the complementarity of the economies and the growing integration of markets.

Kazakhstan is one of the five largest investors in Uzbekistan's economy. Currently, more than 1,144 enterprises with Kazakh capital are registered in the country. An important decision was the establishment of the Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan Investment Fund in 2024, which will finance joint projects in industry, agriculture, transport, and renewable energy.

Industrial cooperation is demonstrating significant results. Industrial zones "Industrial Cooperation Centers" in border areas are actively developing, with construction entering its final stage in 2025. Cooperation is underway between enterprises in the mechanical engineering, agricultural machinery, chemical, and light industries. Joint projects are underway to produce automotive components, electrical equipment, fertilizers, and construction materials.

The countries agreed to develop joint technology parks and industrial clusters, including a smart industry initiative.

In the agricultural sector, the parties are developing cooperation in the production and processing of agricultural products: agreements have been signed on joint agro-industrial clusters, the exchange of seeds and agricultural technologies, and pilot projects are being implemented for the joint cultivation and supply of agricultural products (grains, vegetables, and fruits) within the two countries. This will contribute to the development of sustainable agri-food chains and increase the region's export potential.

Kazakhstan remains a key transit partner for Uzbekistan, playing a vital role in ensuring the country's access to global markets. The parties are actively developing transport and logistics corridors and multimodal routes. A promising direction is Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-Russia. In 2025, a new railway route, Xi'an-Khorgos-Almaty-Saryagash-Tashkent, was launched, significantly reducing freight transit times from China.

The parties agreed to develop transport and logistics hubs and increase transit volumes within the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). Agreements were reached to accelerate the construction and modernization of roads and railways, as well as to create a unified logistics space.

Kazakhstan actively supports Uzbekistan in ensuring energy stability by supplying electricity during peak periods. Work is underway to integrate energy systems and develop green energy projects. Discussions are underway on cooperation in renewable energy, including the joint construction of solar and wind power plants.

Cooperation is developing in water management and environmental protection, including issues of joint and rational use of transboundary water resources. The leaders of the two countries emphasized the importance of the speedy practical implementation of strategic projects of regional significance, in particular the construction of the Kambarata-1 Hydroelectric Power Station. This project is viewed as a multifaceted initiative aimed at the joint development of Central Asia's energy and water resources for the sustainable development of all countries in the region.

Kazakhstan is among the top five countries in terms of the number of tourists visiting Uzbekistan. Visa regulations have been simplified, joint tour packages are being developed within the framework of the "Silk Road Without Borders" initiative, plans have been agreed upon to create unified tourist routes and joint infrastructure development projects in border areas.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are actively developing cultural and humanitarian ties. Particular attention is being paid to strengthening ties in the fields of culture, youth policy, science, education, tourism, and sports.

Branches of leading Kazakh universities operate in Uzbekistan, and academic exchange and research internship programs, as well as sports and cultural events, are being implemented. Significant decisions from The opening of a branch of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers in Almaty and the launch of the Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University in Chirchik. These initiatives aim to expand academic mobility, exchange experiences, and train highly qualified personnel in engineering, water management, and agricultural technology.

Cooperation between the research institutes of the two countries is developing. A memorandum was signed establishing the Uzbek-Kazakh Expert Council under the auspices of the strategic institutions of the two countries. The Council will become a new platform for expert dialogue, analysis of key trends, and the development of joint proposals to strengthen regional stability and economic integration.

The unveiling of a monument to the great poet and thinker Alisher Navoi in Astana in 2025 symbolizes the spiritual unity of peoples.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan encompasses all key sectors of interaction and forms of regional integration in Central Asia. The parties support initiatives within the framework of the Joint Territorial Group, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), and the C5+1 format.

The implementation of agreements reached at the highest level opens new horizons for deepening integration and creating a sustainable space for cooperation in Central Asia. The establishment of the Council of Foreign Ministers and the Council of Regional Heads, the launch of the Joint Strategic Partnership Program for 2024–2034, and the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia demonstrate the progressive strengthening of allied ties and a commitment to a shared future.

There is potential and opportunity for mutual cooperation in a number of priority areas, including expanding industrial cooperation, developing cooperation in energy and food security, combating climate change, tourism exchanges, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, and personnel training.