The article highlights that in recent decades, cooperation between Uzbekistan, the countries of Central Asia, and China has experienced unprecedented growth: over the past thirty years, trade turnover and investment volumes have increased almost one hundredfold. China has become the region’s largest economic partner and a key actor in ensuring regional security and sustainable development.

It is emphasized that the dynamics of high-level contacts continue to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and China. In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $13 billion, while total Chinese investment since 2017 has reached $17.6 billion. The opening of a regional office of the Export-Import Bank of China in Tashkent paves the way for new opportunities to deepen economic cooperation.

The article pays particular attention to the emergence of the new institutional “Central Asia–China” format, which since 2023 has shifted from occasional cooperation to a regular and structured coordination platform involving all countries of the region. The significance of the Xi’an Declaration, adopted at the inaugural leaders’ summit, as well as the institutionalization of cooperation—particularly the establishment of the Central Asia–China Secretariat in Xi’an—is underlined.

It is further stated that enhanced regional consolidation and the development of institutional cooperation mechanisms are enabling Central Asia to transform into an economically interconnected region, integrated into global supply chains. Over the past five years alone, intra-regional trade has grown by 80 percent, and the trade facilitation index across the region has risen to 67 percent.

The development of transport and logistics infrastructure—including the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project—is noted as a driver of Central Asia’s transit potential and diversification of routes within the framework of the China–Central Asia–West Asia Economic Corridor. At the same time, the region is evolving from a mere transit corridor into a dynamically expanding market for goods, technologies, and investments.

The publication also underscores that sweeping transformations in the global economy and international relations are accelerating Central Asia’s integration and attracting growing interest from external partners. The open nature of Central Asian regionalism, support from other major players, and the proliferation of “Central Asia Plus” multilateral formats are highlighted.

Key priorities for future cooperation, as set out in the article, include advancing mechanisms within the Central Asia–China framework, promoting transport, digitalization, and industrialization programs, and further activating exchanges among expert and business communities.

The article concludes that the successful implementation of bilateral and regional projects with China will support the economic modernization and integration of Central Asian countries, while enhancing their standing across the Eurasian space.

China Daily is China’s foremost English-language daily, with global distribution and a focus on key international developments, expert analysis, and leading opinion.

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