Uzbekistan uses SCO summit to advance trade, energy and strategic partnerships

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, with China, Russia, Pakistan, the United States and the United Nations among the key partners on Uzbekistan’s agenda. 

The talks focused on expanding trade and investment, developing energy and transport infrastructure, and strengthening strategic and diplomatic ties.

One of the most substantial outcomes came from talks between Mirziyoyev and Chinese President Xi Jinping; the two leaders discussed raising bilateral trade to $30 billion in the coming years, up from nearly $18 billion in 2025.

The two sides also reviewed a portfolio of joint investment projects worth around $60 billion and discussed expanding industrial cooperation. Particular attention was given to carmaker BYD’s operations in Uzbekistan, with both sides supporting plans to increase production capacity and localisation.

Energy emerged as another major area of cooperation. Uzbekistan expressed interest in attracting Chinese companies to projects in traditional and alternative energy, including peaceful nuclear energy. The sides also discussed the development of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, which is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and open additional trade routes.

$3.4 billion energy pipeline with India

Energy cooperation was also high on Uzbekistan’s agenda with India. Uzbek Energy Minister Sherzod Khodjaev said Indian companies have been offered to participate in five energy projects worth $3.4 billion.

The proposed projects include hydropower and thermal power facilities, as well as major high-voltage transmission lines. Tashkent also wants Indian companies to participate as investors rather than solely as contractors.

Localisation is a key condition: Uzbek labor is expected to account for the majority of the workforce, at least 50 per cent of design work should be carried out by local companies, and locally manufactured products should make up 70 per cent of supplies.

Trade, logistics and industrial cooperation with Pakistan

Mirziyoyev also met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They discussed expanding trade, investment, transport and logistics cooperation, while a joint roadmap is being prepared to accelerate projects in textiles, medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and other priority sectors.

The talks build on the closer relationship established following Mirziyoyev’s visit to Islamabad earlier this year. The two countries also plan to expand regional and humanitarian ties, including the upcoming Forum of Regions in Khiva and cultural and film events in Pakistan.

Trade continues to grow with Russia

Economic cooperation with Russia remains another important component of Uzbekistan’s foreign economic agenda. During talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the sides praised the growth by 12 per cent of bilateral trade since the beginning of 2026. The leaders emphasised the need to maintain this positive momentum and accelerate industrial cooperation in energy, metallurgy, transport and other priority sectors.

They also highlighted the importance of continued interregional contacts and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Broader diplomatic engagement

The summit also provided an opportunity for Uzbekistan to maintain dialogue beyond its major economic partners.

Mirziyoyev met UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss further cooperation with the United Nations and its institutions, including sustainable development. Guterres praised Uzbekistan’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and confirmed the UN’s readiness to continue working with the country.

The Uzbek president also met U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor. The sides discussed strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding cooperation in energy, transport, critical minerals, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and agriculture. They also focused on preparations for upcoming C5+1 meetings and the next session of the Uzbekistan-U.S. Business and Investment Council.

For Uzbekistan, the Bishkek summit therefore served not only as a multilateral diplomatic gathering, but as a platform to pursue new investment, expand trade and energy cooperation, strengthen connectivity and reinforce the country’s multi-vector foreign policy.

Read more from the SCO summit:

• SCO summit opens in Bishkek as leaders eye deeper economic cooperation
• Leaders in Bishkek for SCO summit attend World Nomad Games opening ceremony

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