Kazakh PM Bektenov, Uzbek President Mirziyoyev discuss bilateral ties in Tashkent
On the sidelines of the 5th Tashkent International Investment Forum, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenovheld a meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Government's press service.
During the meeting, Bektenov conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The two sides highlighted the strong level of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which is based on strategic partnership and allied relations. It was emphasized that agreements reached by the heads of state continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
Special attention was given to the development of trade and economic ties. By the end of 2025, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan had increased by 16.2 percent, reaching 4.8 billion US dollars. During the January-April period of the current year, bilateral trade totaled 1.9 billion US dollars, representing a 42.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The discussions also covered industrial cooperation, transport and logistics connectivity, as well as cooperation in energy, water resource management, and tourism.
Speaking at the forum, Bektenov stressed the importance of further deepening regional cooperation to unlock Central Asia’s economic potential. He noted that Kazakhstan is continuing institutional reforms aimed at diversifying the economy, improving the investment climate, and boosting business activity.
The Prime Minister outlined measures designed to attract investment, including the updated Investment Policy Concept until 2030, the expanded role of the national company Kazakh Invest, the work of the Investor Rights Protection Committee under the General Prosecutor’s Office, and the introduction of the special Altyn (Golden) Visa program for investors and highly skilled professionals.
Bektenov also highlighted prospects for cooperation in digital technologies and artificial intelligence. According to him, Kazakhstan has commissioned two supercomputers, established the Alem.AI International Artificial Intelligence Center, and is implementing the Data Center Valley project, which is expected to become Central Asia’s digital hub.
The forum brought together heads of state and government from several countries, along with representatives of international financial institutions, businesses, and government agencies.
Earlier, Qazinform reported Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are to set up a transboundary water management commission.
