NBU secures 700 million yuan from the Export-Import Bank of China to fund investment projects in Uzbekistan

On June 25, 2026, in Beijing, the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan (NBU) and the Export-Import Bank of China signed a loan agreement for financing worth 700 million Chinese yuan, equivalent to $100 million.

The signing of the agreement signifies a new phase in the long-term financial partnership between the two banks, with goals of supporting investment initiatives, modernizing domestic businesses, and enhancing trade and economic ties between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People’s Republic of China.

The secured financing will be an important element of NBU’s strategy to diversify its international funding base further and expand operations in Chinese yuan. The funds will be used to finance purchases of modern equipment and raw materials from China, support the bank’s clients’ investment projects, and promote trade between Uzbekistan and China. Implementation of the agreement will enable domestic enterprises to access long-term financing in Chinese currency, thereby reducing foreign-exchange risk and improving settlement efficiency with Chinese partners.

NBU is consistently strengthening its position as the leading provider of yuan-denominated financing in Uzbekistan’s banking system.

To date, the total volume of credit lines secured by the bank in Chinese currency has exceeded 11.5 billion yuan, equivalent to $1.7 billion. The bank’s yuan-denominated loan portfolio currently totals approximately $1.2 billion, or 13 percent of its total loan portfolio, reflecting steadily increasing demand among domestic businesses for financing and settlement in China’s national currency.

The agreement was signed amid the dynamic development of Uzbekistan – China trade, economic, and investment cooperation. In 2025, bilateral trade increased by 34 percent, exceeding $17 billion. Since the beginning of this year, bilateral trade has already surpassed $6 billion, disbursed direct Chinese investment has exceeded $8 billion, and the number of enterprises with Chinese capital participation in Uzbekistan has approached 6,000. These figures confirm the strengthening of the strategic economic partnership between the two countries.

The signed agreement will further facilitate the implementation of Uzbekistan’s State Investment Program for 2026.

UzA