Denis Manturov and Zhamshid Khojaev held the 25th meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Uzbek Commission
First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Denis Manturov and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Zhamshid Khojaev held the 25th meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Uzbek Commission on Economic Cooperation in Moscow. The meeting participants discussed a wide range of issues of Russian-Uzbek cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, industry, energy, transport and agriculture.
Denis Manturov noted the positive dynamics in the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries. “Bilateral trade turnover in the nine months of 2024 increased by 10%. An important factor in the sustainable growth of trade is the increased use of national currencies in payments. Today this figure already exceeds 70%,” said the First Deputy Prime Minister.
Russia is one of the key investors in the economy of Uzbekistan. Over the nine months of this year, the volume of Russian investments increased by 17%. There are more than 3 thousand enterprises with Russian participation in the republic, which is a quarter of the total number of companies with foreign capital operating there.
“Thus, we have created the basic conditions for fulfilling the ambitious task of multiplying trade turnover. The heads of our states set the target at $30 billion. To implement these plans, a number of bilateral documents were signed. They define a systemic basis for expanding partnerships in all key areas,” said Denis Manturov.
Particular attention at the meeting was paid to the development of cooperation in the industrial sector. Russian enterprises are successfully implementing joint projects with Uzbekistan, which allow them to master new technologies and expand export opportunities. The First Deputy Prime Minister noted the need to multiply such initiatives, taking into account the growing interest in expanding the partnership. This is evidenced by the increase in the number of participants in the annual exhibition “Innoprom. Central Asia”.
During the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Uzbekistan in May 2024, an agreement was reached on the construction of a low-power nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan. As Denis Manturov emphasized, project documentation is already being developed, preparatory work at the site of the future nuclear power plant has already begun. Agreements on long-term supplies of natural gas to Uzbekistan are being implemented as planned. In addition, Russian specialists are involved in the development of gas fields in Uzbekistan, and a joint drilling control center was opened in May of this year.
Jamshid Khodjaev expressed his commitment to further mutually beneficial cooperation for the growth of mutual trade between Russia and Uzbekistan. “Today’s meeting gives us a unique opportunity to exchange views and develop a joint approach to solving the problems facing our states. Strengthen bilateral ties, deepen interaction in key areas such as the economy, transport, agriculture, education and social welfare of our citizens,” said the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The parties discussed partnership in the transport sector, in particular in the development of promising international transport corridors. According to the First Deputy Prime Minister, today joint work is underway to prepare a feasibility study for the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway.
Another issue on the agenda of the meeting was the sphere of agriculture. “The products of Uzbek farmers are traditionally in high demand among Russian buyers. In turn, we are ready to increase supplies of oil and fat, grain, meat products and confectionery products to Uzbekistan. We assign an important role in increasing the volume of food trade to interaction in the field of veterinary and phytosanitary control. Timely implementation of certification procedures for exporters. We are ready to provide the necessary assistance in the prevention of diseases in livestock farming, including through increasing the export of veterinary drugs,” said Denis Manturov.
At the meeting, attention was also paid to other areas – successful cooperation in the field of electronic commerce, development of socio-cultural and humanitarian dialogue.
In conclusion, Denis Manturov and Zhamshid Khodjaev signed the protocol of the 25th meeting of the Russian-Uzbek Commission on Economic Cooperation and approved a roadmap for increasing trade turnover between the two countries. In addition, in the presence of the co-chairs of the IGC, a cooperation plan for the Far East with the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2025–2030 was signed.