TASHKENT: Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov embarked on a significant working visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan, where he engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.
During his visit to Tashkent, Prime Minister Bektenov was warmly received by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, underscoring the deep-rooted strategic partnership built on trust and mutual understanding. The leaders highlighted the substantial progress made in bilateral relations, with the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reaching $4.5 billion in 2023. Both governments are actively collaborating on investment and industrial projects to further enhance trade relations.
Prime Minister Bektenov held constructive talks with Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, focusing on expanding cooperation across various sectors including trade, investment, water and energy, transit-transport, and agriculture. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to elevating bilateral cooperation to new heights, in line with the directives set forth by their respective presidents.
Acknowledging significant advancements in industrial cooperation, the prime ministers highlighted the implementation of 60 industrial projects worth $2.6 billion, generating over 13,300 jobs, with 43 additional projects showing promise. The Central Asia International Center for Industrial Cooperation is expected to play a pivotal role in further expanding trade potential.
Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized the importance of enhancing transit-transport potential in the region and expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to increase export supplies to Uzbekistan by nearly $500 million across 255 items. The leaders reaffirmed their governments’ dedication to fostering progressive development in Kazakh-Uzbek cooperation across all sectors.
During his visit, Prime Minister Bektenov also explored initiatives aimed at streamlining administrative procedures through electronic declaration at the Customs Clearance Center. Additionally, he visited a local Technopark, gaining insights into high-tech manufacturing processes for various industrial products.
Prime Minister Bektenov’s visit underscores the commitment of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to deepen their strategic partnership and foster greater economic integration, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and mutual prosperity.
