The 20th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation was held in Tashkent, chaired by the heads of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Governments Alikhan Smailov and Abdulla Aripov with the participation of central government agencies and representatives of business circles of the two countries.

As noted by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan account for about 80% of all trade in Central Asia. At the same time, there are significant prospects for deepening cooperation in agriculture, including the increase in mutual trade in agriculture and food industry, as well as further development of industrial cooperation. In this part, the construction of the Central Asia International Center for Industrial Cooperation is of great importance.

In addition, further expansion of trade relations requires modernization of transit-transport infrastructure.

"We are interested in the development of the route "China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan". A number of large railway projects will help to increase the throughput capacity in this direction. Among them are Darbaza - Maktaaral line, bypass around Almaty and development of Dostyk station," Alikhan Smailov emphasized. 

He added that it is also extremely important to develop cooperation in the field of ecology and water use, as these issues have a direct impact on the livelihood of the population of the two countries.

"We hope for further mutual cooperation in the water sector, taking into account the interests of both parties," the Head of Government said.

In turn, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov emphasized that Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan relations are developing on the basis of principles of strategic partnership and alliance. So, today, about 1,200 enterprises with Kazakhstani capital operate in Uzbekistan. At the same time just 5 years ago this figure was almost 6 times less.

"The priority of deepening economic partnership is the development of industrial cooperation. Following the results of the talks of our heads of state in Tashkent, we have jointly adopted a road map that covers all priority areas, including the implementation of specific projects worth $10 billion," Abdulla Aripov said.

During the event, the participants considered a wide range of issues of cooperation in trade, industry, transport, energy, agriculture and water management.

Summing up, Alikhan Smailov emphasized that the ongoing work of the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is aimed at creating favorable conditions for the development of business relations.

"I am sure that today's agreements will be translated into practical joint actions and will make a significant contribution to the strengthening of multifaceted relations between our countries," he said. 

The ceremony was followed by the signing of bilateral documents, including the Protocol of the 20th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, which consolidates the agreements reached within its framework, the Roadmap to accelerate the creation of the Central Asia International Center for Industrial Cooperation and the Joint Action Plan on labor activities and protection of the rights of migrant workers.

#Alikhan Smailov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #International Cooperation #Roadmap