On October 17, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China had a meeting to discuss how to further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. The Head of Uzbekistan thanked the Chinese leader for the invitation and warm welcome, and congratulated him on the Chinese National Day and the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Mirziyoyev pointed out that the Belt and Road Initiative is a platform for mutual progress and prosperity, and that the Green Silk Road Initiative was first declared in Uzbekistan in 2016. He also mentioned that the five-year Program for Developing Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships in a New Era is in effect.
Uzbekistan and China have seen an increase in political dialogue and mutual support on key issues, as well as a fivefold increase in Chinese investment and a tripling in the number of Chinese companies. Trade between the two countries is expected to exceed $10 billion by the end of the year, and the leaders agreed to aim for $20 billion in the next five years.
The two countries are looking to expand the portfolio of high-tech projects through the joint organization of the production of innovative products with high-added value. The two leaders also discussed the exchange of experience and practical interaction in studying and implementing the Chinese experience in the fight against poverty.
The two countries have also seen a growing interest in learning the Chinese language in Uzbekistan, especially among young people, which is attributed to the Confucius Institute in Tashkent and Samarkand. To review the progress of implementation of all agreements, the two leaders agreed to hold the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee.
At the end of the meeting, the Uzbek leader invited President Xi to visit Uzbekistan. The two countries’ leaders also agreed to adopt an action plan to implement the initiatives put forward.