To implement the co-building of the "Belt and Road Initiative" and the "Thousand Groups Going Global" strategy, enhance economic and trade exchanges between our city and key countries along the Belt and Road, and assist enterprises in exploring emerging international markets, the Municipal Council for the Promotion of International Trade led an economic and trade delegation to Uzbekistan from May 13th to 15th. The delegation participated in the "Central Asia Five Countries (Uzbekistan) International Commercial Vehicle and Parts Exhibition" and successfully organized the "China Wuhan-Uzbekistan Automotive and Parts Specialized Business Matching Conference." During the visit, the delegation met with the Tashkent Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Uzbekistan UBM Exhibition Group, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with UBM, and conducted field research at the Central Asia Commodity Exhibition Center and the China-Uzbekistan Industrial Park to gain in-depth insights into Uzbekistan’s investment environment and market demands.  

The "Central Asia Five Countries (Uzbekistan) International Commercial Vehicle and Parts Exhibition" is one of the most significant commercial vehicle trade fairs in Central Asia. It attracts numerous buyers from five Central Asian countries, as well as Russia, Turkey, Egypt, and Georgia, covering sectors such as freight vehicles, passenger vehicles, and specialized vehicles. This event serves as an international platform for automotive and parts enterprises from Hubei Province and Wuhan to expand their global presence under the Belt and Road framework.  

On May 14th, Mr. Shen Bin, Secretary-General of the Municipal Council, attended the exhibition’s opening ceremony as a guest of honor. He engaged in discussions with officials from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, Automotive Industry Corporation, and Exporters Association, exploring collaboration opportunities in automotive manufacturing and parts supply. During an interview with local media, Mr. Shen highlighted the participation of Wuhan-based enterprises such as Dongfeng Motor, Cheyi Electronics, and Sanhuan Group, emphasizing the Council’s commitment to leveraging exhibitions as a bridge for deeper economic and industrial cooperation between China and Uzbekistan.  

On the morning of May 15th, the 2024 China Wuhan-Uzbekistan Automotive and Parts Specialized Business Matching Conference was successfully held. The Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (Hannan District) Investment Promotion Bureau delivered a thematic presentation. Attendees included Mr. Emtov Obek, Director of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade; Mr. Sobir Khasanov, Vice President of the Tashkent Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Liu Yu, Executive President of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Uzbekistan. Over 160 representatives from both sides participated, with more than 30 enterprises from Hubei (spanning automotive parts, logistics, aviation, IT, construction materials, and intellectual property) engaging in one-on-one negotiations with 90 Uzbek counterparts, resulting in multiple cooperative intentions.  

During the visit, the delegation met with the Tashkent Chamber of Commerce to discuss bilateral economic collaboration and cultural exchanges. Secretary-General Shen introduced Wuhan’s geographical advantages, socio-economic development, educational resources, ecological environment, and industrial structure. He extended an invitation for Uzbek entrepreneurs to visit Wuhan and attend the 24th Wuhan Motor Show in September. Mr. Irisbekov Uchkunbek, President of the Tashkent Chamber, and Mr. Dadajonov Islombek, Director of Foreign Economic Relations, expressed interest in strategic partnerships with Wuhan, highlighting demand in sectors like water-based paints, drones, and food processing.  

The delegation also visited the Central Asia Commodity Exhibition Center and the China-Uzbekistan Friendship City. During enterprise discussions, both sides explored innovative exhibition models, project alignment, and partnership opportunities, culminating in the signing of cooperation agreements.  

As one of the earliest supporters of the Belt and Road Initiative and a pivotal trade and logistics hub in Central Asia, Uzbekistan’s collaboration with Wuhan has been further strengthened through this visit. Moving forward, both sides aim to enhance mutual exchanges and cooperation across trade, culture, and other fields, injecting new vitality into the Belt and Road framework.