Uzbekistan and China Boost Interregional Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The third Uzbekistan–China interregional forum was held on 21–22 May 2026 in the Chinese city of Xi’an at the Xi’an International Convention Center, under the theme “Joint Modernization through High-Quality Development.”

The event was organized by the People’s Government of Shaanxi Province, the China People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Around 2,000 delegates participated, including representatives of government bodies, regional administrations, academia, business associations and leading companies from both countries, as well as heads of around 20 Chinese provinces.

The main objective of the forum was to expand direct cooperation between regions of Uzbekistan and China, attract investment, develop economic ties and promote joint projects in science and technology.

The opening ceremony took place on 21 May and was held jointly with the opening of the 10th “Silk Road” International Exhibition. More than 700 representatives from government and regional levels, ministries and business circles of both countries attended.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev addressed the forum participants with a welcoming speech. Representatives of regions from both Uzbekistan and China also spoke, including provincial and regional leaders and officials from interstate structures.

Speakers noted the steady development of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and China and emphasized the importance of interregional cooperation as a tool for creating new points of economic growth and expanding investment collaboration.

According to official data, trade turnover between the two countries has tripled over the past five years, reaching around US$18 billion. Chinese direct investment in Uzbekistan has increased fivefold, reaching US$17 billion in 2025. More than 5,400 joint ventures with Chinese capital are operating in the country.

As part of the forum, a 2,000-square-meter National Pavilion of Uzbekistan was also presented at the Xi’an exhibition center, showcasing the country’s export, investment and tourism potential. The exhibition is expected to be visited by more than 10,000 people.

In the second half of the day, thematic panel sessions were held on trade and economic cooperation, innovation, green development, agriculture, tourism and women’s entrepreneurship. As a result, agreements were reached on a number of investment and cooperation projects.

The forum is expected to serve as a basis for further deepening interregional cooperation and expanding economic ties between Uzbekistan and China.