Since the day they gained their independence, the relations of the Central Asian states with each other have been developing in a multidimensional way. Although it lost momentum in various periods, especially in the last five years, there has been a rapidly increasing integration process in the region. Central Asian states show a strong will for both national development and economic development and stability of neighboring states with the relations they have developed in the bilateral, regional and international framework.
Today, there is an important process that Central Asian countries must overcome in order to ensure regional stability and development. Because the states’ overcoming this process in the shortest time and with the least cost brings important political, social and economic gains. At this point, the integration process between the states of the region is important. Because the establishment of joint production areas by sharing the different experiences of each country, the technologies they have and different production mechanisms will accelerate regional development.
On the other hand, sharing of experience, knowledge and technology between countries will bring equal development in Central Asia instead of a single-centered production. Because a strong and stable Central Asia will be possible not only with a developed and prosperous state, but also with the simultaneous and proportional development of the regional states.
In this sense, the recent agreements between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the projects that are being implemented and the increase in the trade volume can be presented as a model. In particular, 2022 has been a breakthrough period for economic relations on the Tashkent-Bishkek line. The trade volume between the parties has exceeded 1 billion dollars. In this case, various projects implemented in industry, energy, agriculture, transportation and other sectors played a decisive role.[1]
The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Line Project has strengthened the ties as well as the relations between the countries. It is thought that the trade volume will continue to increase with the realization of the said project, which will ensure regional integration. In addition, various agreements on energy are made between countries. The latest example of this is the agreement dated January 6, 2023 for the Kambar-Ata-1 Hydroelectric Power Plant, which also includes Kazakhstan. It is stated that the power plant, whose construction is expected to continue between 2024 and 2028, will be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Kyrgyzstan after it is put into operation. However, it is stated that the power plant will provide electricity to three countries.[2]
The said power plant has been the subject of debate between Bishkek and Tashkent for many years. Uzbekistan opposed the project, thinking that less water would be sent to it because of this power plant. However, it can be said that the relations have settled on a stronger ground after the decision signed on the determination of the border between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan and the management of the Andijan (Kempir-Abad) Reservoir water resources was approved by the parliaments.[3] The agreement reached in the Andican (Kempir-Abad) Reservoir also facilitated the consensus on the Kambar-Ata-1 Hydroelectric Power Plant.
One of the most important recent developments between the two states is the decision of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to jointly produce vehicles such as cars, pickups and minibuses. In the facility planned to be established in Kyrgyzstan, it is planned to produce 3,000 vehicles in the first stage and 30,000 vehicles in the following processes.[4]
The President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Şevket Mirziyoyev, paid a visit to Bishkek in the process of further strengthening the relations with Kyrgyzstan. During the visit, which covered 26-27 January 2023, the parties signed important decisions, hosted by the President of Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Sadir Caparov. First, the leaders exchanged ratifications for demarcation and then signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Statement.[5]
During the visit, 24 more documents on the development and deepening of relations were signed. The leaders signed the Strategic Trade and Economic Partnership Program for industry, trade, energy, investment, tourism, culture, customs, education, sports, agriculture and 2023-2025.[6] Speaking at the Ala-Archa state residence, the Uzbek leader stated that the established ties open up new horizons in relations and that they form the basis of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Declaration.[7]
During the visit, seven memorandums of understanding were signed between the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in various fields such as jewelry, exports, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and tourism. The target is to increase the trade volume to 2 billion dollars.[8] The strong will to solve the problems through dialogue, the visit organized at the highest level, the new projects realized and planned to be implemented strengthen the relations on the Bishkek-Tashkent line.
President of Uzbekistan Presidential Administration Sardor Umurzakov summarized the dynamics and achievements of commercial relations between the parties in his speech at the Kyrgyz-Uzbek Business Forum held in Bishkek on January 26, 2023. Umurzakov emphasized that countries can supply their needs from each other and called for strengthening industrial cooperation. Umurzakov also stated that they can establish their production facilities in Uzbekistan in Kyrgyzstan and expressed that they are ready for cooperation in the technology, project and finance sectors.[9]
As a result, it is seen that the Central Asian capitals in general, Bishkek and Tashkent administrations in particular, first overcome the problems and then set policies with a win-win approach. The cooperation environment established between the two states can be read as a summary of the integration and development policy that is being tried to be implemented in Central Asia. The leaders, who show that the problems in bilateral and regional relations are not insoluble, also present an important roadmap at the international level. The messages given that facilities in Uzbekistan can also be built in Kyrgyzstan are an indicator of trust between states. However, it is possible to state that the Tashkent administration is open to sharing experience and technology for a prosperous, stable and peaceful Central Asia. This attitude of Uzbekistan will accelerate the stable development of Kyrgyzstan and will add dynamism to bilateral relations.
[1] Chris Devonshire-Ellis, “2022 Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Bilateral Trade Reaches Record Highs”, Silk Road Briefing, https://www.silkroadbriefing.com/news/2022/12/07/2022-kyrgyzstan-uzbekistan-bilateral-trade-reaches-record-highs/, (Date of Accession: 26.01.2022).
[2] ““Камбар-Ата-1”: үч өлкө макулдашууга кол койду”, Azattyk, https://www.azattyk.org/a/32212327.html, (Date of Accession: 26.01.2022).
[3] Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, “Kyrgyzstan Ratifies Uzbekistan Border Deal in Testy Parliament Session”, Eurasianet, https://eurasianet.org/kyrgyzstan-ratifies-uzbekistan-border-deal-in-testy-parliament-session, (Date of Accession: 26.01.2022).
[4] “Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to Jointly Produce Cars”, 24 KG, https://24.kg/english/256204_Uzbekistan_and_Kyrgyzstan_to_jointly_produce_cars/, (Date of Accession: 26.01.2022).
[5] “Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Officially Complete Border Delimitation”, 24 KG, https://24.kg/english/256905_Kyrgyzstan_and_Uzbekistan_officially_complete_border_delimitation/, (Date of Accession: 27.01.2022).
[6] “24 Documents Signed Following Visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kyrgyzstan”, 24 KG, https://24.kg/english/256912_24_documents_signed_following_visit_of_Shavkat_Mirziyoyev_to_Kyrgyzstan/, (Date of Accession: 27.01.2022).
[7] “Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Talk About Strategic Partnership”, 24 KG, https://24.kg/english/256902_Kyrgyzstan_and_Uzbekistan_talk_about_strategic_partnership/, (Date of Accession: 27.01.2022).
[8] “Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Sign Seven Memorandums of Cooperation”, 24 KG, https://24.kg/english/256819_Kyrgyzstan_and_Uzbekistan_sign_seven_Memorandums_of_Cooperation/, (Date of Accession: 27.01.2022).
[9] “Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to Jointly Work on Import Substitution”, 24 KG, https://24.kg/english/256782_Kyrgyzstan_and_Uzbekistan_to_jointly_work_on_import_substitution/, (Date of Accession: 27.01.2022).
