Uzbekistan Roundup: Trade gains, trade deal with Azerbaijan, humanitarian aid

Massive gas turnover

Uzbekistan’s trade turnover of natural and artificial gas reached $515.1 million from January through April 2024, according to Trend News Agency. Data from Uzbekistan’s Statistics Agency reveals a significant increase of 137.3% compared to the same period last year when the trade turnover was $217 million. During the first four months of 2024, Uzbekistan’s exports of natural and artificial gas amounted to $52.3 million, marking a 55.6% decrease from the $117.9 million recorded in the same period of 2023. Meanwhile, imports surged to $462.8 million, a 202.2% rise from the $153.1 million reported in January–April 2023.

Exports to Russia

Uzbekistan has significantly increased its export of fruits and vegetables to Russia, with a 26% increase in supply compared to the previous year. Shipments of white cabbage, fresh persimmons, cauliflower, and carrots have all seen significant increases. The potential for mutual trade between the two countries is wide, and efforts are underway to simplify supply conditions and make bilateral trade more transparent, reports KunUz. Integration of information systems in the field of phytosanitary is also being worked on to simplify control procedures.

Foreign trade gains

Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover in 1Q24 reached nearly $21bn, up 6% from the previous year. According to Daryo, despite a deficit of $3.9bn, exports grew by 9% while imports increased by 3.9%. China is the largest trade partner, with a total trade volume of $3.96bn, followed by Russia at $3.84bn. Other key trading partners include Kazakhstan, Turkey, South Korea, France, Germany, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and India.

Bilateral collaboration with Azerbaijan

A signing ceremony for bilateral documents was held in Quba during the Second Azerbaijan – Uzbekistan Interregional Forum, as reported by UzA. The event saw the signing of memoranda of understanding and cooperation in trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres between Termez and Bilasuvar, Namangan and Mingachevir, and Gulistan and Fuzuli. Additionally, a roadmap for preparing the state visit of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan was approved at the forum. It was noted that implementing these documents will foster closer relations and strengthen direct ties between the people of both nations.

Humanitarian aid to Afghanistan

Uzbekistan has sent 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan for those affected by mudflows and floods. The aid includes food, tents, and water storage tanks, and was delivered to Balkh province through the Airitom border crossing. According to Akipress, the ceremony was attended by officials from both countries, and Uzbekistan was thanked for their support. Afghanistan has suffered severe casualties from the floods, with over 70 people dead in April and over 300 in May.