Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan: A New Stage of Strategic Partnership

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan continue to demonstrate a stable dynamic of comprehensive cooperation that spans trade, investment, industrial cooperation, transport, energy, as well as humanitarian and educational fields. The Strategic Partnership and Alliance Program for 2024–2034, adopted during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent visit to Kazakhstan, has laid a solid foundation for further strengthening the allied relations between the two brotherly nations.

In 2024, the bilateral trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan exceeded 4.27 billion USD, almost double the 2017 level (exports – 1.5 billion USD, imports – 2.8 billion USD). Active efforts are underway to fulfill the agreement between the leaders to raise this figure to 10 billion USD by 2030.

Uzbekistan exports textiles, engineering products, construction materials, and food to Kazakhstan, while importing metallurgical products, wheat, oil products, and electricity. The expansion of trade volume and product range reflects the complementarity of the two economies and the growing integration of their markets.

Kazakhstan ranks among the top five investors in Uzbekistan’s economy. Currently, more than 1,144 enterprises with Kazakh capital are registered in the country. A major milestone was the establishment of the Uzbek–Kazakh Investment Fund in 2024, which will finance joint projects in industry, agriculture, transport, and renewable energy.

Significant progress has been made in industrial cooperation. The construction of the “Industrial Cooperation Center” zones on border territories is nearing completion in 2025. Enterprises in mechanical engineering, agricultural machinery, chemical, and light industries are actively cooperating. Joint projects are being implemented for the production of auto parts, electrical equipment, fertilizers, and construction materials.

The two countries have also agreed to develop joint technoparks and industrial clusters, including the “smart industry” initiative.

In agriculture, both sides are advancing cooperation in the production and processing of agricultural products. Agreements have been signed to establish joint agro-industrial clusters, exchange seeds and agrotechnologies, and launch pilot projects for joint cultivation and supply of agricultural goods (grains, vegetables, fruits) in both countries. These initiatives will help build sustainable agro-food chains and enhance the export potential of the region.

Kazakhstan remains a key transit partner for Uzbekistan, playing an important role in ensuring the country’s access to global markets. The two sides are actively developing transport and logistics corridors and multimodal routes, including the promising Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan–Russia corridor. In 2025, the new Xi’an–Khorgos–Almaty–Saryagash–Tashkent railway route was launched, significantly reducing cargo delivery times from China.

Agreements have been reached to develop logistics hubs and increase transit volumes within the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). The two countries are also accelerating the construction and modernization of highways and railways, as well as creating a unified logistics space.

Kazakhstan is actively supporting Uzbekistan’s energy stability by supplying electricity during peak periods. Efforts are underway to integrate power systems and develop green energy projects, including joint construction of solar and wind power plants.

Cooperation is also expanding in water management and environmental protection, particularly in the rational use of transboundary water resources. The leaders emphasized the importance of the early practical implementation of regionally significant strategic projects, such as the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1, which is viewed as a comprehensive initiative to jointly harness Central Asia’s energy and water potential for sustainable regional development.

Kazakhstan ranks among the top five countries in terms of tourist arrivals to Uzbekistan. The “Silk Road without Borders” initiative has simplified visa procedures, and the countries are developing joint tour packages, shared tourist routes, and cross-border infrastructure projects.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are also actively developing cultural and humanitarian ties, with special attention to culture, youth policy, science, education, tourism, and sports.

Branches of leading Kazakh universities operate in Uzbekistan, and academic exchange and research internship programs, as well as cultural and sports events, are being implemented. Notably, a branch of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers has opened in Almaty, and the South Kazakhstan University named after Mukhtar Auezov has begun operating in Chirchik. These initiatives aim to enhance academic mobility, share experience, and train highly qualified specialists in engineering, water management, and agricultural technologies.

Scientific and research cooperation is also expanding. A Memorandum on establishing the Uzbek–Kazakh Expert Council under the auspices of the strategic research institutes of both countries has been signed. The Council will serve as a platform for expert dialogue, analysis of key regional trends, and joint policy recommendations to strengthen regional stability and economic integration.

A symbol of the spiritual unity between the two nations was the unveiling of a monument to the great poet and thinker Alisher Navoi in Astana in 2025.

The cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan now embraces all key sectors of regional interaction and integration in Central Asia. The two countries actively support initiatives within the OTS, SCO, CIS, CICA, and the C5+1 format.

The implementation of high-level agreements opens new horizons for deepening integration and forming a sustainable space of cooperation in Central Asia. The establishment of the Council of Foreign Ministers and Council of Regional Heads, the launch of the Joint Strategic Partnership Program for 2024–2034, and the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Leaders all demonstrate the steady strengthening of allied relations and the shared vision for a common future.

There is great potential for expanding cooperation in a number of priority areas, including industrial collaboration, energy and food security, climate change mitigation, tourism exchanges, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, and human capital development.