Uzbekistan Roundup: $4 billion roadmap, natural gas importation, Qatar collaboration
$4 billion Cooperation Roadmap
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun met to discuss expanding strategic cooperation between Uzbekistan and the AIIB. They solidified their collaboration with the signing of a $4 billion Cooperation Roadmap. The meeting also proposed drafting a long-term Strategic Partnership Programme for infrastructure development until 2030, focusing on public-private partnerships and poverty alleviation strategies.
Importation of natural gas totalling $1.15 billion
The energy sector in Uzbekistan is witnessing transformative growth, demonstrated by the surge in natural gas imports. From January to August 2023, the country imported $1.15 billion of natural gas—a nearly six-fold increase compared to the same timeframe last year, with August alone contributing $168.3 million. Additionally, gas exports have also risen, tallying up to $404.8 million, marking a 7.1% increase over the previous year, which signifies a robust upward trend in the energy market, Daijiworld reports.
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project
The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project aimed at enhancing connectivity across Central Asia is scheduled for completion within five years. Spanning over 450 km, the railway project, predominantly funded by China is estimated to cost $1.34 billion, Azer News reports. This initiative is a critical segment of the New Silk Road transport corridor, integrating Central Asian nations into the wider European railway network and supporting regional economic integration, with total investments in related projects anticipated to reach approximately $8 billion.
Qatar, Uzbekistan review bilateral ties
During the 9th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Samarkand, southeastern Uzbekistan, President Mirziyoyev engaged in discussions with Qatar's Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari on strategies for enhancing bilateral economic and trade relations between both nations. According to the Peninsular Qatar, the discussion also emphasised the role of resilient infrastructure in achieving global developmental objectives.
Bangladesh seeks market access for goods in Uzbekistan
Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary, Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky in a bilateral meeting, advocated for better market access for Bangladeshi goods in Uzbekistan, highlighting sectors like ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, and jute yarn. This dialogue, set against the backdrop of rich historical ties, focused on expediting bilateral agreements, direct flight operations, and visa process simplification—all aimed at facilitating improved business and tourism relations. Uzbekistan Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov expressed the Uzbek government’s commitment to economic engagement with Bangladesh, underscoring the potential for dynamic trade relations between these two nations, local media BSS News reports.
