Uzbekistan and China sign major regional investment deals at Samarkand forum

According to the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, the event gathered over 2,800 participants, including business leaders, government officials, and representatives from academic and educational institutions of both countries. In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev emphasized China’s role as Uzbekistan’s largest trade and investment partner.

Bilateral trade between the two nations has doubled in the past five years, reaching $13 billion by the end of 2024. Since 2017, the volume of direct Chinese investment has increased fivefold, and the number of Chinese-invested enterprises operating in Uzbekistan has grown to 3,700.

Zoyir Mirzaev, Governor of Tashkent region, outlined six priority sectors for foreign investment in the regional economy. He highlighted the “huge potential” of three specialized industrial zones focused on pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.

He also identified the following priority sectors:

• Agricultural product processing
• Production of electrical and household appliances
• Manufacturing of eco-friendly and energy-saving construction materials
• Textile industry
• Development of tourism zones

More than 10 agreements were signed during the forum to launch new investment projects. Notably, the Namangan region administration reported signing $530 million worth of contracts with Chinese investors.

The delegation from Navoi region reached an agreement with Hong Dau Ke Ji to establish a $30 million oil refinery complex in the Karmana district. Shichuan Chuahe Shengxin Electric Engineering plans to build a $5 million shopping center in New Navoi and invest $20 million in gold and silver mining. Chinese investors also expressed interest in developing deposits of basalt, granite, and turquoise stones.

Adiz Boboev, Acting Governor of Samarkand region, met with Sun Zhongzhi, Deputy Governor of Shandong Province, to discuss cooperation in agricultural processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and the potential opening of a joint vocational training center in Samarkand. The parties signed a partnership memorandum and several agreements related to production and trade.

Boboev also held talks with Zhang Gang, Governor of Shaanxi Province. They discussed the creation of joint ventures for pharmaceutical production, electrical equipment, and construction materials. The parties also explored establishing an industrial hub for Shaanxi-based companies within the Urgut Free Economic Zone.