Central Asia: a region of rapid development and new horizons

Central Asia today is one of the most dynamic hubs of Eurasia: interstate ties are rapidly growing here, industrial chains are being formed, logistics connectivity is strengthening and a modern a normative basis for long-term cooperation.

On the eve of the Russia-Central Asia summit, it is the real economy that sets the agenda: the countries of the region have the same interests in infrastructure, industry, energy and technology, and the corridors from the Caspian Sea to the Tien Shan become the framework of the future Eurasian industrial map.

Using an example Uzbekistan is a reflection of the dynamics of the entire region

The example of the interaction of Uzbekistan, as a key player in the region, shows the progressive development of Central Asia. Trade and investment are expanding, harmonized standards and logistics innovations are being introduced. The “open door” policy is based on a dense legal framework with all neighbors: free trade and investment protection with Kazakhstan, a declaration of eternal friendship with Tajikistan (2022), transport and railway agreements with Turkmenistan, a strategic program with Kyrgyzstan until 2030. This architecture gave the markets transparency and predictability, accelerating the growth of trade and investor confidence.

Uzbekistan - Kazakhstan: market integration

With Kazakhstan, the “law - logistics - business” link works fully: in January-August 2025, trade turnover reached $3.03 billion (+15%). This was facilitated by the removal of barriers and deepening cooperation. The Intergovernmental Commission and the Samarkand Forum secured projects worth more than $7 billion and trade agreements worth $700 million. Over 1,100 enterprises with Kazakh capital are registered in Uzbekistan, and about 5,500 with Uzbek capital are registered in Kazakhstan. This is already the economy of “end-to-end” chains.

Uzbekistan - Tajikistan: trade and investment bridge

Transport and tariff policy accelerate integration. In 2025, Uzbek exports to Tajikistan showed double-digit growth, rail transit is subject to preferences of up to 55%, and total cargo traffic in 2024 amounted to about 10 million tons. Air traffic (4 flights per week) and the Dushanbe-Tashkent passenger train have been restored. An Uzbek-Tajik investment company with a capital of $100 million is forming a “bridge” for joint production.

Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan: East-West/North-South corridors

In 2024, trade turnover exceeded $1.14 billion and is actively growing import of energy resources. The Shavat-Dashoguz border trade zone is being formed; the total cargo flow amounted to 1.11 million tons. Localization of repair of Turkmen carriages in Andijan is an example of industrial cooperation. About 200 enterprises with Turkmen capital operate in Uzbekistan - from construction materials and furniture to textiles and the agricultural sector.

Uzbekistan - Kyrgyzstan: strategic framework

The comprehensive partnership and program until 2030 have created a “road map” for business. In January–August 2025, trade turnover reached almost $600 million (+12–13%), Uzbekistan’s exports increased, and imports from Kyrgyzstan added more than a third. This smoothes out seasonality and strengthens logistics. At the beginning of 2025, rail transportation showed double-digit growth, and exports of Uzbek manufacturers to Kyrgyzstan increased by almost 80%. The Council of Border Regions and the Forum of Regions format are working.

Regulatory framework: how rules turn into growth

Growth in the region is driven not only by trade numbers, but also by the “rules of the game.” There is a CIS FTA protocol with Kazakhstan that integrates national practices. With Tajikistan, the 2022 declaration facilitates the launch of joint projects. Agreements with Turkmenistan are critical for the North-South and East-West corridors. With Kyrgyzstan, more than 200 agreements reduce transaction costs, and the intergovernmental commission and plans until 2030 eliminate bottlenecks.

Instead of conclusion

Today, Central Asia is a synergy of ready-made projects and growing markets. Uzbek-Kazakh cooperation and forums with packages worth billions give foreign companies access to joint clusters, component localization and service industries. Advanced competencies in energy, industry, transport, certification, digital logistics and many other industries are in demand here.

Central Asia is moving from “geography” to “economy”: integrated rules, transport corridors, increased investment and formats of interregional cooperation are turning the region into a new center of power. Russia, coming to the summit with a pragmatic agenda, can consolidate long-term partnerships in energy, transport and digital services. The example of Uzbekistan shows how the contractual framework, intergovernmental commissions and tariff decisions trigger a growth multiplier.