Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan keen to up mutual trade to $10bln at meeting in Tashkent
Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov arrived in Uzbekistan to attend the 16th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on the instruction of the Head of State, Kazinform News Agency cites primeminister.kz.
Prime Minister Smailov met with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev ahead of the top-level gathering in Tashkent.
At the start of the meeting, the Kazakh Prime Minister conveyed warm words of greeting from Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasizing that present-day relations between Astana and Tashkent are the epitome of strategic partnership based on mutual trust and understanding.
Alikhan Smailov noted that implementation of all agreements reached at the high level is under the control of the Kazakh and Uzbek governments.
According to him, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan prioritize the creation of solid and stable economic platform of bilateral cooperation.
“Uzbekistan is one of the largest trade partners of Kazakhstan. About 70% of all trade in Central Asia falls at our countries. Following results of last year the two-way trade increased by 30% and first the first time ever reached $5 billion,” said Smailov, adding that goal is to step up mutual trade up to $10 billion.
In his words, the Government of Kazakhstan will make every effort to gradually develop cooperation with Uzbekistan across all sectors.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for his part, stressed that strategic agreements between the two countries are implemented according to a plan, including in the sphere of trade, transport and water industry. he also expressed hope that all the projects agreed with the President of Kazakhstan can help the two nations achieve new heights.
