Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan trade reaches $1bn as border deal boosts cooperation

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan has reached $1 billion, reflecting expanding economic cooperation and strengthening political ties between the two countries.

The figure was highlighted during a meeting in Istanbul between Marlen Mamataliev, Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of Kyrgyzstan, and Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.

The officials discussed prospects for enhancing interparliamentary cooperation, as well as expanding trade, economic and cultural ties.

Both sides noted that improved bilateral relations in recent years have contributed to rising trade volumes, more diversified exports, and stronger business cooperation.

Border resolution unlocks economic potential

A key factor behind the growth has been the resolution of long-standing border disputes. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, sections of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border remained contested, leading to periodic tensions over land, water resources and access to enclaves in the Fergana Valley.

Progress accelerated after 2017, when Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan intensified political dialogue and signed agreements delimiting large sections of the border. In 2022, Sadyr Japarov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev ratified a landmark border agreement covering the remaining disputed areas. The deal included land swaps and provisions for the joint management of water resources, particularly the Kempir-Abad (Andijan) reservoir.

The agreement effectively finalised most of the approximately 1,400-kilometre border and was described by both sides as a historic step towards stability and cooperation.

Regional cooperation and stability

Further progress was achieved in March 2025, when Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed a trilateral agreement determining the junction point of their shared borders, helping to stabilise one of the most sensitive areas in Central Asia.

Experts note that resolving border issues has significantly reduced tensions in the Fergana Valley, improved cross-border mobility and created more predictable conditions for trade and investment.

Trade growth and future outlook

Economic ties between the two countries have shown consistent growth. Trade turnover reached $846 million in 2024 and continued to rise in 2025 before hitting the $1 billion mark.

Officials from both countries emphasised that the current level of cooperation is not the ceiling. They highlighted the importance of expanding industrial cooperation, improving transport and logistics connectivity, and strengthening business-to-business links.

In addition to economic cooperation, both sides pointed to growing cultural and humanitarian exchanges, including increased tourism and people-to-people contacts.

Analysts say that the combination of resolved border issues, stronger political trust and expanding economic cooperation is laying the foundation for sustained growth in bilateral trade and deeper regional integration.

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Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan Trade trade agreement regional development