Prime ministers of Uzbekistan and China meet in Shanghai

On November 4, Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Shanghai, as reported by the Government of Uzbekistan.

Aripov is leading a delegation to the China International Import Products Exhibition, which will take place from November 5 to 10. Uzbekistan is participating in this year’s exhibition as an honored guest, underscoring the growing economic ties between the two countries.

In their meeting, the Uzbek delegation conveyed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Xi reciprocated with warm wishes for Mirziyoyev. Both sides acknowledged the strong strategic partnership between their nations, built upon the reliable and friendly relations between the two presidents.

Trade and economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. With trade between Uzbekistan and China expected to reach $14 billion in 2023, both leaders expressed confidence in raising this figure to $20 billion. This ambitious goal aligns with the broader plans for mutual development, emphasizing joint efforts to achieve sustainable growth.

Additionally, Aripov and Li explored cooperation in multiple sectors, including green energy, mining, agriculture, IT, education, tourism, and cultural exchanges. While in Shanghai, the Uzbek delegation met with Chen Xingin, Secretary of the Party Committee of Shanghai, and executives from prominent Chinese companies like Henan Investment Group, China Datang Group, and Shanghai Tianhai Group.

Prior to the Shanghai visit, Aripov attended the Council of Heads of Governments of the Eurasian Economic Union in Yerevan, Armenia, as an observer, highlighting Uzbekistan’s active engagement in international economic and regional forums.