Central Asia: A Region of Dynamic Development and New Horizons
Central Asia: A Region of Dynamic Development and New Horizons
Central Asia today is one of the most dynamic hubs in Eurasia: interstate connections are growing rapidly, industrial chains are being formed, logistical connectivity is being enhanced, and a modern regulatory framework for long-term cooperation is being established. Ahead of the "Russia – Central Asia" summit, it is the real economy that sets the agenda: the countries of the region share common interests in infrastructure, industry, energy, and technology, while the corridors from the Caspian Sea to the Tien Shan are becoming the backbone of the future Eurasian industrial map.
Uzbekistan as a Reflection of the Region's Dynamics
The example of Uzbekistan, as a key regional player, illustrates the progressive development of Central Asia. Trade and investment are expanding, with coordinated standards and logistical innovations being implemented. The "open doors" policy is underpinned by a dense treaty and legal framework with all its neighbors: a free trade and investment protection agreement with Kazakhstan, a declaration on eternal friendship with Tajikistan (2022), transport and railway agreements with Turkmenistan, and a strategic program with Kyrgyzstan until 2030. This architecture has provided markets with transparency and predictability, accelerating trade growth and investor confidence.
Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan: Market Integration
The "law – logistics – business" linkage with Kazakhstan is fully operational: in January-August 2025, trade turnover reached $3.03 billion (+15%). This was facilitated by the removal of barriers and deepened cooperation. The Intergovernmental Commission and the Samarkand Forum secured projects worth over $7 billion and trade agreements worth $700 million. Over 1,100 enterprises with Kazakh capital are registered in Uzbekistan, while about 5,500 in Kazakhstan have Uzbek participation. This is already an economy of "end-to-end" chains.
Uzbekistan - Tajikistan: A Trade and Investment Bridge
Transport and tariff policies are accelerating integration. In 2025, Uzbek exports to Tajikistan showed double-digit growth, railway transit benefits from preferential tariffs of up to 55%, and the total freight traffic in 2024 amounted to about 10 million tons. Air service has been restored (4 flights per week) along with the "Dushanbe – Tashkent" passenger train. The Uzbek-Tajik investment company with a capital of $100 million is forming a "bridge" for joint production ventures.
Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan: East-West/North-South Corridors
In 2024, trade turnover exceeded $1.14 billion, with energy resource imports growing actively. A "Shavat - Dashoguz" cross-border trade zone is being established, with total freight traffic reaching 1.11 million tons. The localization of repair services for Turkmen railcars in Andijan is an example of industrial cooperation. About 200 enterprises with Turkmen capital operate in Uzbekistan—from construction materials and furniture to textiles and the agricultural sector.
Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan: A Strategic Framework
Comprehensive partnership and the program until 2030 have created a "roadmap" for business. In January-August 2025, trade turnover reached almost $600 million (+12-13%), with Uzbekistan's exports growing and imports from Kyrgyzstan increasing by more than a third. This smooths out seasonality and strengthens logistics. In early 2025, rail shipments showed double-digit growth, and exports of Uzbek manufacturers to Kyrgyzstan increased by almost 80%. The Council of Border Regions and the "Forum of Regions" format are operational.
Regulatory Framework: How Rules Translate into Growth
Growth in the region is driven not only by trade figures but also by the "rules of the game." With Kazakhstan, the CIS Free Trade Zone protocol is in effect, integrating national practices. The 2022 declaration with Tajikistan facilitates the launch of joint projects. Agreements with Turkmenistan are critical for the "North-South" and "East-West" corridors. With Kyrgyzstan, over 200 agreements reduce transaction costs, while the intergovernmental commission and plans until 2030 eliminate bottlenecks.
In Lieu of a Conclusion
Today, Central Asia is a synergy of ready-made projects and growing markets. Uzbek-Kazakh cooperation and forums with multi-billion dollar packages give foreign companies access to joint clusters, component localization, and the service industry. Advanced expertise is in high demand here—in energy, industry, transport, certification, digital logistics, and many other sectors.
Central Asia is transitioning from "geography" to "economy": integrated rules, transport corridors, growing investment, and interregional cooperation formats are turning the region into a new center of strength. Russia, coming to the summit with a pragmatic agenda, can solidify long-term partnerships in energy, transport, and digital services. The example of Uzbekistan shows how a treaty base, intergovernmental commissions, and tariff decisions trigger a growth multiplier.
