Relations between Uzbekistan and Russia are a vast topic for dozens of analytical articles.
Scientific works and articles that have found their readers are devoted to cooperation between the two countries. The relations between New Uzbekistan and modern Russia in the complex geopolitical conditions of the 21st century have their essential aspects, smooth and uneven paths, which can become the basis for large-scale economic and journalistic research. Let us briefly look at some details of relations between the two countries, which have a long history of friendship and cooperation.
Russia is a huge and powerful country with vast expanses. In terms of population, it ranks after India, China, and the United States. Russia's human resources, as well as its underground and above-ground natural resources, are inexhaustible.
Some countries without natural resources, thanks to their subjects’ intellectual potential, enterprise, and agricultural skills, have raised their country's standard of living to a level equal to that of countries with large reserves of gold, silver, oil, or gas. But this is a separate theme. These countries strive to build a future and a strategic perspective with like-minded countries. Uzbekistan and Russia are no exception. Our countries are connected by rail, air, and road communications. Although the two countries are not direct neighbors, they have had fraternal and partnership relations since ancient times. Economic ties play an important role in relations between the two states.
“Over the past three years, the volume of trade turnover between Russia and Uzbekistan has increased not by 5-10, as usual, but by 20 percent annually”, said First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov at a regular meeting of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission held recently in Tashkent. “The significant growth in economic relations is a serious step forward. If development continues at this pace, then the volume of trade turnover with Russia will increase by 200 percent in two years. This is a clear plan that is set before us. Trade turnover with Uzbekistan should double by 2030. The growth is observed against a decline in investment due to sanctions against Russia. Business has its rules: you must draw the proper conclusion from the situation and effectively use the available opportunities. We help each other as much as possible, adhering to international obligations and political responsibility, and both sides benefit from this. Mutually beneficial cooperation is developing”.
In recent years, mutual interest among our investors has been increasing. Russia ranks second after China in terms of investments in Uzbekistan, and today, this figure is $10 billion.
Several new documents were signed to develop economic ties at the Intergovernmental Joint Commission meeting. In particular, projects that will be implemented shortly in agriculture, light industry, pharmaceuticals, automotive industry, and railway engineering were reviewed.
Russia is becoming Uzbekistan's leading and reliable educational, scientific, and practical partner. Opening in Tashkent of branches of famous Russian higher education institutions, such as Lomonosov Moscow State University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Russian State University of Cinematography named after S.A.Gerasimov, is an excellent event in the socio-political, spiritual and cultural life of our country and people. Yes, in-depth study, further development, and improvement of our national culture, spirituality, and values are necessary and a priority for us. We should not forget that awareness of world scientific and cultural achievements, art news, and consistent study of world experience are factors leading to progress.
Interest in Central Asian countries, especially Uzbekistan, is growing daily. The total volume of investments received in our country reached $38 billion. More than 24 thousand companies operate in our country using Russian capital alone. The Russian Federation, one of the leading investors in our economy, has a portfolio of investment projects in Uzbekistan amounting to $20 billion. The launch of further new projects worth $10 billion is expected. New industrial parks are being created to attract small businesses focused on high-tech activities into production. Some good practice has been accumulated in this regard. The Chirchik and Jizzakh technology parks, created with the Khimgrad company’s participation in Kazan, are already yielding good results.
Trade and economic relations have been established with 80 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. At 3.8 percent, the ratio of trade between Uzbekistan and Russia is the fifth highest among the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Collaboration in tourism between the two countries is also consistently developing. In 2023, the number of Russian tourists who came to Uzbekistan doubled to get acquainted with our people’s way of life, traditions, and customs, the country's unique historical, architectural, and cultural monuments, and the fragrant and juicy gifts of nature of our sunny land.
Irismat Abdukhalikov, UzA