Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The Third Uzbekistan–China Interregional Forum is being held at a high level on May 21-22, 2026, at the Xi'an International Conference Center in the People's Republic of China. The event is jointly organized by the People's Government of Shaanxi Province, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Korea.

Under the theme "Shared Modernization through High-Quality Development," the forum brings together nearly 2,000 participants, including representatives from ministries and agencies, regional administrations, academic circles, business associations, leading companies, and entrepreneurs from both nations. Senior leadership from approximately 20 Chinese provincial governments is also in attendance.

The primary objective of the forum is to expand direct cooperation between the regions of Uzbekistan and China, attract investment, strengthen economic and business ties, implement joint projects, and elevate scientific and technological cooperation to a new level.

The opening ceremony of the forum on May 21, 2026, was synchronized with the opening of the Tenth International Silk Road International Exposition. The solemn ceremony was attended by over 700 government and regional leaders, ministry and agency representatives, and business leaders from both countries.

A number of high-level officials addressed the opening ceremony. The event was opened with introductory remarks by Jamshid Khodjayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Keynotes were also delivered by Zhao Yide, Secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress; Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries; Amanbay Orynbayev, Chairman of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan; Sun Weidong, Secretary-General of the China-Central Asia Mechanism; Erkinjon Turdimov, Hokim of Syrdarya Region; Fan Jinlun, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Jiangsu Provincial People's Congress; Ulugbek Mustafayev, Hokim of Jizzakh Region; and Zhao Junmin, Vice Governor of Yunnan Province.

The speeches emphasized the steady growth of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and China, the role of interregional cooperation in creating new points of economic growth, the opportunities being generated for investment and industrial cooperation, and the necessity to further expand direct ties between the regions of both countries.

For reference: Over the past five years, bilateral trade turnover has increased threefold, reaching nearly $18 billion by the end of last year. Concurrently, foreign direct investment from China to Uzbekistan grew fivefold, reaching $17 billion in 2025. Today, more than 5,400 joint ventures with Chinese capital operate in Uzbekistan, successfully executing joint projects in energy, chemicals, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, textiles, building materials, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Within the framework of the forum, the "National Pavilion of Uzbekistan" was established at the Xi'an International Exhibition Center from May 21 to 25, spanning a total area of 2,000 square meters. The pavilion showcases national products, the export and investment potential of the regions, tourism, culture, handicrafts, and promising avenues in the field of education. The national pavilion is drawing significant interest from foreign investors and business representatives, with total attendance expected to exceed 10,000 participants.

The afternoon session featured several specialized panel discussions, including forums on economic, trade, and investment cooperation; scientific and technological innovation and green development; modern agriculture and tourism; and women's entrepreneurship development.

These sessions focused on collaboration prospects in the green economy, digital technologies, trade facilitation, innovation, agriculture, tourism, and entrepreneurship, culminating in agreements on a series of investment and cooperation projects.

The outcomes of the forum are expected to serve as a solid foundation for further strengthening interregional cooperation, deepening economic relations, and executing new investment projects between Uzbekistan and China.