Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The 21st meeting of the joint Intergovernmental Commission between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, chaired by Prime Ministers Abdulla Aripov and Olzhas Bektenev, took place in Almaty.

The meeting focused on key issues of bilateral cooperation ahead of the official visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kazakhstan. The parties evaluated the progress of agreements between the two countries, including projects aimed at strengthening trade, economic, investment, and water-energy cooperation, as well as collaboration in transport, industry, agriculture, ecology, and digitalization.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan account for 57% of the total trade volume in Central Asia. In 2023, the trade turnover between the countries amounted to US$4.5 billion, surpassing US$1.2 billion in the first 4 months of 2024.

As part of industrial cooperation, 69 projects totaling US$3.1 billion are planned, with the creation of over 14,700 jobs. Currently, 12 joint projects worth US$217 million have been successfully completed, generating approximately 4,500 jobs. Additionally, 3 investment projects totaling US$178 million are underway, including the construction of an electrometallurgical plant in Taraz with a production capacity of 500,000 tons of steel products.

The establishment of the International Industrial Cooperation Center "Central Asia" on an area of 100 hectares in Turkestan Region of Kazakhstan and Syrdarya Region of Uzbekistan aims to stimulate joint production.

In the machinery sector, cooperation is planned to expand in the supply of electrical products and batteries. Measures to develop railway infrastructure, including projects such as "Darbaza-Maktaaral," the Almaty Ring Road, and Dostyk station, are being considered to increase freight turnover.

Measures to strengthen cooperation in water management through the digitalization of water distribution areas in both countries were also discussed.

"Uzbekistan is one of Kazakhstan’s largest trading partners. We aim to increase bilateral trade volume to US$10 billion in the medium term. Agriculture, food industry, and industrial cooperation are of particular interest," emphasized Olzhas Bektenev.

Abdulla Aripov noted that relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are rapidly developing in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance. "This positive growth fully corresponds to the interests of our peoples. Friendly and trustful relations between our leaders play a key role in the development of our cooperation," he added.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a Protocol reflecting the outcomes and agreements of the 21st meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on bilateral cooperation.