Uzbekistan expands strategic cooperation with China and Turkish investors

Uzbekistan is strengthening its economic and strategic ties through significant engagements with both Chinese leadership and Turkish industrial groups. During a two-day official visit to Tashkent, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to discuss expanding cooperation in energy, mining, finance, artificial intelligence, and transportation. A key focus of the discussions was the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which aims to create an alternative trade route to Europe that bypasses Russia.

Simultaneously, President Mirziyoyev held meetings with prominent Turkish business leaders, including Mehmet Cengiz of Cengiz Holding and Cemil Kazancı of Aksa Enerji. These discussions centered on expanding projects in energy, geology, and infrastructure, specifically regarding the construction of thermal power plants and the modernization of electricity distribution networks.

Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan's energy sector has seen $35 billion in investment over the last decade, with renewable energy now accounting for 31% of total electricity production. The President emphasized that improving the investment climate and ensuring energy security remain top priorities for the nation's economic growth.