CIS: Economic Unity Toward a Common Future

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Over the past 30 years, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) has remained one of the most significant platforms for fostering mutually beneficial economic relations among the former Soviet republics. Despite external challenges and differences in national priorities, the cooperation potential between CIS countries continues to strengthen. New forms of economic partnership—major investment programs, industrial cooperation, transport connectivity, energy integration, and digital economy initiatives—serve as clear evidence of this trend.

Uzbekistan stands as a vivid example of this dynamic, steadily expanding its trade and economic relations with all CIS member states.

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Russia and Uzbekistan: The Locomotive of the CIS

Today, Uzbekistan–Russia cooperation forms the foundational pillar of economic interaction across the CIS region. Russia is Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner: bilateral trade amounted to $11.6 billion in 2024, and $8.3 billion in January–August 2025, marking a 6.5% increase.

This cooperation is based on free trade, industrial co-production, and large-scale investment programs. The joint portfolio includes projects in energy, engineering, chemicals, and food industries. Over 3,000 enterprises with Russian capital currently operate in Uzbekistan. The annual "INNOPROM. Central Asia" exhibitions have become a symbol of deep industrial integration.

Cooperation is also expanding in transport corridors, logistics, education, and digital technologies. Together, Russia and Uzbekistan are building a new economic model for the CIS based on industrial cooperation and innovation.

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Kazakhstan: A Strategic Partner and Neighbor

Relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan vividly demonstrate how geographic proximity can translate into economic advantage. Since 1997, the intergovernmental commission has helped increase mutual trade to over $7 billion.

There are 1,157 enterprises with Kazakh capital in Uzbekistan and over 5,400 Uzbek companies registered in Kazakhstan. Cooperation is actively developing in trade, construction, IT services, and logistics. The Interregional Forum plays a crucial role; the most recent forum held in Samarkand resulted in a road map and a package of major agreements.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are shaping a unified economic space in Central Asia, further strengthening the region’s role as a strategic bridge between Europe and Asia.

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Belarus: Industrial Cooperation and Technological Exchange

Belarus is one of Uzbekistan’s key industrial partners. In January–August 2025, bilateral trade reached $599.7 million, a 34.3% increase. Joint enterprises are growing rapidly in pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, construction materials, and textiles.

Regional forums, agricultural working groups, and business events involving women entrepreneurs demonstrate a high level of mutual trust and institutional coordination. Belarusian investment continues to rise, with $107 million expected by the end of 2025.

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Azerbaijan: Strategic Alliance and Joint Projects

Uzbekistan’s relations with Azerbaijan have reached the level of strategic alliance—the Treaty on Allied Relations was signed in 2024. The two countries are actively developing joint projects in engineering, energy, metallurgy, and logistics.

Trade turnover reached $253.5 million in 2024, and $177.7 million (+18.2%) by August 2025. There are 280 enterprises with Azerbaijani capital operating in Uzbekistan. A 26% increase in transit cargo through the Caspian transport corridor and Alat Port in 2024 has strengthened Azerbaijan’s role as a regional logistics hub.

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Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan: Good Neighborliness and Regional Integration

Uzbekistan is gradually implementing its “good-neighborly economy” strategy with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

• Trade with Tajikistan reached $702.7 million in 2024. The Uzbekistan–Tajikistan investment company, with an authorized capital of $100 million, is financing projects in industry, transport, and construction.

• Trade with Kyrgyzstan totaled $846 million, with 309 joint enterprises operating in Uzbekistan. Under strategic cooperation programs through 2030, new logistics corridors and cross-border industrial zones are being established.

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Armenia and Georgia: Emerging Business Directions

Uzbekistan’s relations with Armenia and Georgia are entering a new phase.

• Trade with Armenia has quadrupled over the last five years, with joint projects in pharmaceuticals, food production, and textiles developing steadily.

• Trade with Georgia reached $182.5 million, with growing export capacity and the formation of a transport-logistics network through Black Sea ports. The intergovernmental commission is active, and new areas of cooperation are opening in energy and tourism.

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Conclusion and Outlook

The experience of Uzbekistan demonstrates that cooperation within the CIS remains a key driver of regional stability and economic resilience.

A common legal framework, principles of free trade, intergovernmental commissions, regional forums, and joint investment funds are creating a solid foundation for deeper integration.

The strengthening of economic relations among CIS member states is not merely about statistics and agreements—it reflects mutual trust, political will, and a shared aspiration for a common future.

Today, the CIS is no longer a continuation of the Soviet legacy, but a modern platform built on equality, partnership, and mutual benefit—forming a new economic order for the 21st century.