Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 15 March, Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov held talks with Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of bilateral agreements and outlined further steps to deepen trade, economic, and investment cooperation.

Laziz Kudratov emphasized the importance of the Kazakh product pavilion that was recently opened at the Termez International Trade Center as part of Arman Shakkaliyev’s visit to Uzbekistan. He expressed confidence in the pavilion’s success and its strong appeal to Afghan businesses.

The two ministers noted the steady growth in bilateral trade. In 2024, trade turnover between the two countries reached US$4.3 billion, with an increase in exports of food products, textiles, non-ferrous metals, chemicals, and plastic goods. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing a comprehensive set of measures aimed at boosting trade volumes, removing barriers, and improving supply conditions.

Investment cooperation is also expanding. Uzbekistan currently hosts 1,042 companies with Kazakh capital, operating in trade, IT services, construction, finance, insurance, and real estate. In Kazakhstan, more than 4,500 companies with Uzbek capital are active. Both sides agreed to enhance support mechanisms for entrepreneurs on a reciprocal basis.

At the end of the meeting, the ministers signed a Program to Increase Bilateral Trade to US$10 Billion by 2030 and approved a schedule of mutual visits for the heads of Uzbekistan’s and Kazakhstan’s regions in 2025.