Uzbek traders at the ongoing fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum said they value their cooperation with China and anticipate the introduction of Chinese technology in the Central Asian country.
Chinese innovations are everywhere at the forum, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. At the booth for the largest local bank stands a robot made by Chinese firm Unitree, while electric vehicle maker BYD occupied the most prominent space on the event floor.
Uzbek traders are optimistic about deepening China-Uzbekistan cooperation, driven by the growing presence of Chinese businesses in Central Asia. They believe Uzbek companies are able to provide valuable materials used in key technologies.
"We have over the 70 projects [worth] more than 1.6 billion U.S. dollars. The most projects on critical raw materials such as tungsten, molybdenum, selenium, tellurium, rare metals, nickel, cobalt, lithium, chromium. We are looking for opportunities in technological partnerships with Chinese companies. We know that Chinese researchers and companies are very fast working on development of technology and creating new manufacturing facilities," said Amir Abidov, Deputy Chairman of the Board for Digitalization, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex.
With Uzbekistan pushing to become a regional hub, China's expertise in infrastructure and technology is in high demand at the forum.
"For the last five years, the construction sector is booming here. Local and foreign investors are attracted to the construction sector, to build new infrastructure, to renovate the old cities, I mean the oldest part of the cities," said Sevara Atabaeva, Business Development Coordinator at UET Construction.
At another booth, the head of an Uzbek handbag business is no stranger to China.
"I used to go to China often because I had to find some kind of suppliers from whom I can buy zippers, hardwares. Mostly I like is Guangzhou, mostly I like is Shenzhen, and I was in Shanghai, in Beijing, in Yiwu and Jinan because from Jinan we bought a cutting machine which is good for our power of production," said Pakhlavon Turdiev, CEO of The Black Quail.
The forum, taking place from June 9 to 12, is an internationally recognized space highlighting the high-growth potential of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian markets.
Chinese technology in high demand at Uzbekistan's Tashkent Int'l Investment Forum
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
