To advance the Belt and Road Initiative, expand the export of Hubei’s automotive industry chain, and promote the global expansion of Hubei enterprises and products, the "2024 China Hubei-Uzbekistan Investment and Trade Fair" was jointly hosted by the Hubei Provincial Council for the Promotion of International Trade (HCPIT), the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, the Tashkent Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chinese Enterprise Chamber in Uzbekistan on the morning of May 15 in Tashkent. The event was attended by over 160 representatives from both sides, including Shi Minghui, Deputy Director of HCPIT; Ametov Obek, Director-General of the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan; Sobir Khasanov, Vice President of the Tashkent Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Liu Yu, Executive President of the Chinese Enterprise Chamber in Uzbekistan, who delivered keynote speeches.  

Deputy Director Shi Minghui introduced Hubei’s provincial strengths, highlighting its strategic geographical advantages, abundant educational and technological resources, picturesque ecological environment, robust industrial foundation, and dynamic openness. He emphasized that the automotive industry is a pillar of Hubei’s economy, with new energy and intelligent connected vehicles being one of the five key industries prioritized for global cluster development. Noting Uzbekistan’s vast automotive market potential and growing demand for new energy vehicles, he expressed optimism about the complementary strengths and promising prospects for bilateral cooperation, urging deepened pragmatic collaboration for mutual benefit.  

Director-General Ametov Obek showcased Uzbekistan’s investment potential, underscoring the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Uzbekistan’s national development strategies, particularly the "Uzbekistan-2030" Strategy, which prioritizes industrial upgrading and high-value-added industries. He identified mechanical and vehicle manufacturing, water resource equipment, medical devices, energy, and agriculture as key areas for cooperation and envisioned the fair as a sustainable platform to strengthen ties.  

Vice President Sobir Khasanov highlighted that the Tashkent Chamber of Commerce and Industry, representing over 4,800 Uzbek enterprises, has successfully implemented multiple Sino-Uzbek projects. He expressed confidence that the fair would enhance practical exchanges and usher in broader prospects for Hubei-Uzbekistan collaboration.  

Executive President Liu Yu remarked on the remarkable progress in Sino-Uzbek economic relations. Since its establishment in 2019, the Chinese Enterprise Chamber in Uzbekistan has served as a vital bridge between businesses and governments, encouraging more Hubei enterprises to invest in Uzbekistan and fostering joint efforts to explore international markets.  

The Administrative Committee of Ezhou Airport Economic Zone and the Investment Promotion Bureau of Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (Hannan District) delivered specialized presentations on Huahu Airport and the zone’s automotive industry. Over 30 Hubei enterprises in automotive parts, logistics, aviation, IT, and building materials engaged in matchmaking sessions with 90 Uzbek counterparts, yielding multiple preliminary cooperation agreements.  

During their visit, the Hubei delegation met with the Tashkent Chamber of Commerce and Industry, toured the Sino-Uzbek Friendship City, and conducted field surveys of local enterprises to assess operations and the business environment. Key Hubei automotive and parts manufacturers, including Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Sanjiang Aerospace Wanshan Special Vehicles, and Aohua Tire, participated in the "Central Asia Five Nations (Uzbekistan) International Commercial Vehicle and Parts Exhibition." Co-hosted by the transportation ministries of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, this premier regional exhibition attracted global buyers from Russia, Turkey, Egypt, and Georgia, covering freight vehicles, passenger vehicles, and specialty vehicles. The event provided Hubei enterprises with expanded opportunities to globalize their automotive and parts industries.