Editor's Note:
China and Central Asia have in recent years continuously strengthened cooperation in a wide range of areas from infrastructure connectivity to trade. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway (CKU Railway), scheduled to begin construction in 2025, is a prime example of growing ties. Global Times (GT) reporter Chu Daye recently interviewed Laziz Kudratov (Kudratov), Uzbekistan's minister of investment, industry and trade, who hailed flourishing ties between China and Uzbekistan and the opportunity presented by the CKU railway to boost trade. 

GT: Bilateral trade volume between China and Uzbekistan has continued to grow in recent years. Which areas have become new growth points? What measures will Uzbekistan take to further optimize the business environment and attract more Chinese investment? 
Kudratov: Trade and economic relations between China and Uzbekistan have experienced significant growth and deepening cooperation in recent years. China has emerged as one of Uzbekistan's largest trading partners and key investors, particularly through bilateral channels and initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative. This strategic partnership emphasizes enhancing infrastructure connectivity, expanding bilateral trade, and fostering economic development. Both countries continue to work closely to create mutually beneficial opportunities that contribute to regional stability and prosperity.

From energy to the automotive industry, metals, and agriculture, Uzbekistan's trade relationship with China is expanding at a rapid pace in interesting and encouraging ways. Uzbekistan's roads show just how popular Chinese imports have become - driving around Tashkent, you'll see many Chinese-made vehicles.

Over the past three years, Chinese investments have been focused predominantly on industry, energy, and agriculture. We are also delighted to be welcoming increasing levels of Chinese investment in our green energy sector, and we are working with Chinese businesses to ensure our proposition remains highly competitive and transparent from a regulatory perspective.

We are also seeing China's participation in sectors such as textiles and agriculture. Of Uzbekistan's 7,641 textile enterprises, 57 were established with Chinese capital - demonstrating that even a relatively small number of Chinese-invested companies can have a significant impact. In the agriculture sector, Chinese firms are helping to modernize operations and open export pathways, particularly in value-added food processing.

Our bilateral relationship is already flourishing, and every indication suggests it will only continue to grow!

GT: Projects such as the CKU Railway are of great significance to promoting regional connectivity. How do you view the impact of the railway for Uzbekistan and the Central Asian region?
Kudratov: Uzbekistan sits on a major artery of world trade, between the mighty economies of Asia and those of Europe. All Uzbeks inherit a collective memory of our role in the ancient Silk Road, linking the civilizations of China, Rome, and Greece. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway presents an opportunity to revitalize a crucial Asian trade artery. Moreover, the railway will enable Uzbekistan to expand its already strong trading relationship with China.

We expect the railway to significantly reduce transit times and costs, facilitating faster trade not just between China and Uzbekistan but across the entire Central Asian region. It also aligns with our vision of deeper economic integration, and China remains a key infrastructure and logistics partner in this process.

GT: The digital economy has shown great potential. How do you think China and Uzbekistan should strengthen cooperation in e-commerce, artificial intelligence and other fields to jointly build the Digital Silk Road?
Kudratov: You are absolutely right - the digital economy is a critical plank of modern economies, and its importance will only grow. Uzbekistan, like China, has already emerged as a dynamic digital economy with a culture of innovation and enterprise. For example, Uzum, our country's first "unicorn," is developing Uzbekistan's leading digital ecosystem.

The potential for Chinese-Uzbek cooperation in e-commerce, AI, and digital infrastructure is vast. We believe the next steps should include joint R&D initiatives, more student and academic exchanges, and targeted investment in Uzbekistan's tech start-ups. As we build our digital economy, China's experience offers a valuable roadmap.

GT: Uzbekistan has abundant resources in the field of renewable energy. What specific plans and projects do China and Uzbekistan have for green energy cooperation? 
Kudratov: China has proven to be a critical strategic investor in Uzbekistan's renewable energy sector, which we regard as one of the pillars of new economic model, the "New Uzbekistan." In fact, thanks to Chinese investment and involvement, Uzbekistan is rapidly emerging as a renewable energy powerhouse.

Looking ahead, we are working to realize ambitious renewable energy goals - with the government seeking to increase solar and wind generation capacity by 5 gW and 3 gW respectively by the end of the decade.

Chinese companies are playing a vital role in constructing the infrastructure needed for Uzbekistan to pivot more decisively to renewable energy. For example, Chinese firms such as Goldwind Science & Technology and Envision Energy are providing essential equipment for wind power projects in the country. But it is not only through the supply of equipment that Chinese businesses are helping us realize our ambitious renewables targets. Chinese companies are directly building and operating much of the generation capacity we are seeing in the country. 

This year alone, more than 20 green energy projects worth over $9 billion are being implemented with Chinese involvement. Furthermore, 200 Uzbek engineers have undergone technical training at BYD's production facilities in China, showing how cooperation extends beyond investment into knowledge-sharing and human capital development.

China has shown itself to be a critical - and I would even say indispensable - partner to Uzbekistan as we pursue our goals of renewable energy leadership in the Central Asian region.

GT: In terms of financial cooperation, do you think the Chinese yuan is having more influence in bilateral trade and trading in the region?
Kudratov: As trade between our countries grows, interest in using national currencies, including the yuan, is naturally increasing. Uzbekistan remains open to mechanisms that enhance financial cooperation and support efficient, mutually beneficial trade.

GT: Protectionist tariffs imposed by certain countries pose serious threats to global industrial and supply chains. In the meantime, China has been lowering its tariffs to allow more products to enter its market. What's your take on the matter?
Kudratov: We support the promotion of fair and open trade and competition, as it facilitates economic growth. Uzbekistan is committed to continuing its ambitious reforms with a steady course toward WTO accession in 2026.

GT: How do you look at the prospects of China's economic development in 2025? What growth rate do you think China will achieve this year?
Kudratov: I would not make any precise predictions about China's growth rate, but we admire China's progress in developing an advanced, diversified, and tech-driven economy. So, I can say with confidence that China's role in global trade and commerce will only continue to grow!
Source: Global Times