CIS: Economic Unity for a Common Future
CIS: Economic Unity for a Common Future
For thirty years, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) has remained one of the key platforms for developing mutually beneficial economic ties among the post-Soviet countries. Despite external challenges and differing national priorities, the potential for cooperation among CIS states continues to grow, taking on new forms—from large-scale investment programs and industrial cooperation to deeper integration in transport, energy, and the digital economy.
The dynamics of this interaction are most clearly illustrated by the example of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which is actively developing trade and economic relations with all Commonwealth countries.
Russia and Uzbekistan: The CIS Locomotive
Uzbek-Russian cooperation is now the cornerstone of all economic interaction within the CIS space. Russia is Uzbekistan's largest trading partner: trade turnover reached $11.6 billion in 2024 and $8.3 billion in the first eight months of 2025, representing a 6.5% growth.
This partnership is based on free trade, industrial cooperation, and large-scale investment programs. The joint portfolio includes projects in energy, machine building, chemical, and food industries. Over 3,000 enterprises with Russian capital operate in Uzbekistan, and the annual "INNOPROM. Central Asia" exhibitions have become a symbol of the industrial integration between the two countries.
Transport corridors, logistics, education, and digital technologies are also developing. Thus, Russia and Uzbekistan are laying the foundation for a new model of economic interaction within the CIS, where industrial cooperation and innovation are becoming the basis for sustainable growth.
Kazakhstan: A Strategic Partner and Neighbor
The relationship between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is an example of how geographical proximity translates into an economic advantage. The intergovernmental commission of the two countries has been operating since 1997, and today trade turnover exceeds $7 billion, with steady growth in export operations.
There are 1,157 enterprises with Kazakh capital in Uzbekistan and over 5,400 Uzbek companies in Kazakhstan. Cooperation is actively developing in trade, construction, IT services, and logistics. Interregional forums are of particular importance; the latest one, held in Samarkand, concluded with the signing of a roadmap and a major package of contracts.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are forming a single economic space in Central Asia, strengthening the region's role as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
Belarus: Industrial Cooperation and Technology Exchange
Belarus is one of Uzbekistan's most important industrial partners. Trade turnover in January-August 2025 amounted to $599.7 million (+34.3%), with active development of joint ventures in pharmaceuticals, machine building, construction materials, and textiles.
Regional forums, meetings of working groups on agriculture, and business forums with the participation of women's entrepreneurial organizations demonstrate a high level of trust and institutional coordination. The volume of Belarusian investments in Uzbekistan is growing annually—$107 million is planned for 2025.
Azerbaijan: Allied Relations and Joint Projects
Relations with Azerbaijan have acquired an allied character—an Agreement on Allied Relations was signed in 2024. The countries are actively developing joint projects in machine building, energy, metallurgy, and logistics.
In 2024, trade turnover was $253.5 million, and by August 2025, it reached $177.7 million (+18.2%). There are 280 enterprises with Azerbaijani capital operating in Uzbekistan.
Special attention is paid to transport corridors across the Caspian Sea and the Port of Alat, where the transit of Uzbek cargo increased by 26% in 2024, strengthening Azerbaijan's strategic role as a regional logistics hub.
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan: Good-Neighborliness and Regional Integration
With Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan is building a strategy of a "neighborhood economy."
Trade with Tajikistan in 2024 amounted to $702.7 million, and the Uzbek-Tajik Investment Company with an authorized capital of $100 million is operating. Projects in industry, transport, and construction are being implemented.
Mutual trade with Kyrgyzstan reaches $846 million, with 309 joint enterprises operating in Uzbekistan. Strategic partnership programs until 2030 are actively underway, new logistics routes are being formed, and cross-border industrial zones are being created.
Armenia and Georgia: New Frontiers for Business Dialogue
Uzbekistan's relations with Armenia and Georgia are reaching a new level.
With Armenia, trade has quadrupled over the past five years, with projects being implemented in pharmaceuticals, food, and textile industries.
With Georgia, trade turnover reached $182.5 million, with a growing share of exports and the development of transport logistics through Black Sea ports. An Intergovernmental Commission is active, and areas of cooperation are expanding into energy and tourism.
Results and Prospects
The experience of Uzbekistan shows that cooperation within the CIS remains the most important factor for sustainable development and economic stability in the region.
The common legal framework, free trade, intergovernmental commissions, regional forums, and joint investment funds create a solid foundation for deeper integration.
Strengthening economic ties among the Commonwealth countries is not just a matter of statistics and contracts, but also an indicator of trust, political will, and a commitment to a common future.
Today, the CIS is becoming not just a legacy of the post-Soviet space, but a modern platform for shaping a new economic order—based on equality, partnership, and mutual benefit.
