Norov: Uzbekistan intends to increase cooperation with China within the framework of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative

During his speech, he informed that over the past 30 years, comprehensive strategic relations between Uzbekistan and China have acquired a dynamic and sustainable character. In particular, thanks to joint efforts, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and China has increased 140 times over 30 years. The volume of Chinese investment in the economy of Uzbekistan has increased fivefold since 2017. 

“At the same time, these indicators do not fully reflect the huge potential that exists. In this regard, we consider it the most important task to begin the practical implementation of the initiatives put forward by the heads of our states, which are enshrined in the “roadmap for developing regional cooperation for 2022-2025” adopted today,” he said. 

Norov emphasized that Uzbekistan stands for the joint implementation of long-term and mutually beneficial projects in Central Asia with China, which will contribute to sustainable socio-economic development, integration of the countries of the region into the global economy and transport and logistics corridors. 

“We are counting on your support for the initiative to develop a joint strategy for a new China-Central Asia economic dialogue aimed at taking effective measures to effectively use the huge potential that our countries have in the field of economy, trade, industrial cooperation with the involvement of Chinese technologies,” he said. 

According to the Foreign Minister, Uzbekistan intends to further increase cooperation with China within the framework of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, which has become an effective platform for expanding regional connectivity and trade and economic cooperation. At the same time, the current problems with logistics and serious disruptions in the supply chains of products have a negative impact on many manufacturing sectors, the timing and quality of the implementation of priority investment projects. 

Under these conditions, the “Initiative on Deepening Cooperation in the Field of Connectivity”, which is being adopted today, is of particular importance, which, I am sure, will create strong conditions for ensuring an uninterrupted system of cargo flows, increasing the capacity of border points, improving the system of “green” corridors, and increasing international road and rail traffic. 

“We consider it necessary to create a coordinating council on transport infrastructure at the level of deputy heads of government of the countries of Central Asia and China in order to develop systemic solutions to ensure uninterrupted cargo flow, prevent logistical failures and develop trans-regional logistics networks. For a deeper integration of Central Asia into the system of interregional transport and logistics corridors, we consider it important to start the practical implementation of the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway construction projects, as well as Termez – Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar. The interconnection of these railway projects will allow diversifying transport and logistics hubs to and from the countries of Central Asia, will contribute to the development of regional interconnectedness of Central and South Asia, 

Norov also noted that the practical importance for increasing the volume of mutual trade between the countries of Central Asia with partners in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions has improved infrastructure and efficient use of the multimodal transport corridor “Lianyungang – Lanzhou – Kashgar – Irkeshtam – Osh – Andijan” and the transport corridor “Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Iran – Oman”.