SHANGHAI, June 10. /Dunyo IA/. Yang Cheng, Professor and Executive Dean of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies (SAGGAS) at Shanghai International Studies University, commented for Dunyo IA on the outcomes of the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Minsk on July 8–9:

-  Relations between Uzbekistan and Belarus represent one of the most prominent examples of dynamic bilateral cooperation within the post-Soviet space. In recent years, the partnership between the two nations has reached a qualitatively new level, as evidenced by both economic indicators and high-level political dialogue.

Current visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Belarus commenced not with formal protocol negotiations at the Palace of Independence, but with an informal meeting at the country residence of the Belarusian leader. This gesture goes far beyond standard diplomatic etiquette, underscoring a deep level of mutual trust built over many years.

We are witnessing a rare phenomenon where the convergence of strategic interests is reinforced and enhanced by sincere, friendly relations between the leaders. It is precisely this personal trust, demonstrated through informal meetings, hospitality and a readiness to discuss the most complex issues, that enables the realization, rather than just the planning, of ambitious projects.

Relationship between the two nations is characterized by a reliance on a “high practical economic compatibility”. Belarus possesses a well-developed industrial school along with core competencies in mechanical engineering, the agro-industrial complex, and engineering services. Uzbekistan, for its part, represents a large and rapidly growing market that is actively modernizing its industrial base. The economies of the two countries do not compete but organically complement one another, creating a solid foundation for building sustainable production chains.

The most tangible indicator of this growing mutual interest is the dynamics of trade turnover. By the end of 2025, it reached 965 million U.S. dollars, increasing by nearly a quarter. In 2026, this growth accelerated to 32%. The parties have set a strategic goal to increase this figure to 2 billion U.S. dollars by 2030 and a roadmap for cooperation covering 2026–2030 is currently being developed to achieve this.

Another crucial area of cooperation is the establishment of joint manufacturing ventures for agricultural machinery, cable products, and pharmaceuticals. Prospective avenues also include the light, food, furniture and chemical industries, as well as the production of construction materials and polymer goods.

A vital institutional step was the 3rd Forum of Regions of Belarus and Uzbekistan, held in Minsk on July 8^th, 2026. Within its framework, 12 new interregional agreements were signed, bringing their total number to 30.

The signing of the Declaration on Establishing a Strategic Partnership during the current visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Belarus contributes to the legal consolidation of the already achieved level of relations.

Overall, Uzbek-Belarusian relations today are experiencing a period of mature partnership, where historical memory and mutual trust create a solid foundation for ambitious economic projects, and the practical compatibility of their economies ensures sustained growth dynamics.