Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan: Unity of exporters in supplying "green" energy to European markets Middle Corridor as a gateway for trade, energy, and logistics co-op

We have already noted how the countries of Central Asia (CA) and the South Caucasus (represented by Azerbaijan and Georgia) have become serious geopolitical players today, not only shaping the regional agenda but also confidently extending beyond our shared sphere. In light of this, let us try to trace this trend through a brief look at the situation in Uzbekistan, viewed through the lens of specific events that occurred over the past two months.

To begin with, it is important to note that, as always, the Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations are characterized by a unique format of cooperation. This is confirmed by the approval of the "Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the Development and Transfer of Green Energy" between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan by the Azerbaijani Parliament. This agreement is intended to promote the export of renewable energy to Europe and other markets through the enhanced integration of the energy systems of Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The same document was signed by President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

At the same time, in the Ankara Declaration adopted following the February meeting between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Türkiye, the parties expressed their readiness to encourage and implement joint projects in the areas of trade, investment, industry, energy, transport, logistics, digitalization, and communications. Special attention was given to the Middle Corridor, which plays "an important role in the growth of the transit potential" of these countries.

In the same month of February, a Roadmap for cooperation in the defence industry was signed between Baku and Tashkent. Another positive development was the announcement that Uzbekistan Airways increased the number of flights on the Tashkent-Baku-Tashkent route to four per week, which clearly indicates the growing intensity of exchanges between the two countries in various fields.

During the meeting in March 2025, when the heads of the oil and gas companies of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan ("Tatneft," "KazMunayGas," and "Uzbekneftegaz") were received by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the importance of four-party cooperation was emphasized, particularly in terms of joint production and the implementation of orders for friendly countries.

In the first half of 2025, the 14th session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation is expected to take place.

If we look at other geographical directions of Tashkent's activities, it is worth noting that this month the Senate of Kazakhstan approved a law on the construction of the International Center for Industrial Cooperation "Central Asia" on the border of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The implementation of this project will facilitate the acceleration of cargo transportation, reduce logistics costs, and, consequently, lower the price of products for consumers.

Following this, the IV meeting of the Joint Working Group on Cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and the Government of Uzbekistan highlighted the importance of implementing the joint project of the EAEU member states, "Eurasian Agroexpress," towards Uzbekistan. This project aims to develop transport and logistics supply chains for agricultural products and food, including the exploration of new logistical routes for mutual product delivery. At the same time, the parties expressed their readiness to hold another round of consultations on the formation of a unified customs transit system between the EAEU and Uzbekistan.

In parallel, information was released about the consideration in Kyrgyzstan of the possibility of building a transnational railway that should connect the country with Uzbekistan (Batken - Kokand). Here, one can also note the March decision to introduce a free trade regime between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and Tashkent's announcement of plans to expand trade with Kazakhstan by opening four new trade corridors.

At the same time, in light of the growing global focus on rare earth elements, significant attention was given in March 2025 to the extensive raw material base of critically important minerals in Uzbekistan. As highlighted in this context, the country has identified deposits of more than 30 metals, including molybdenum, lithium, titanium, and others. Bobir Islamov, the Minister of Mining Industry and Geology of Uzbekistan, stated that over the next three years, "76 projects are planned to be implemented, covering 28 rare minerals, with a total value of $2.6 billion."

In this context, the issue of establishing technoparks in the Tashkent and Samarkand regions, which are known for their deposits of tungsten and molybdenum, has become a topic of active discussion. Notably, back in 2024, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev tasked the construction of a new plant for rare and rare earth metals. In line with this, he emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to four key areas: the development of science, the creation of research centers, the attraction of innovations to the sector, and the development of investment projects to create new jobs and produce goods with high added value. The main tasks, according to the President, include the extraction of valuable raw materials from ore using advanced technologies and improving the purity of minerals.

In light of this, it is worth noting that, according to French sources, Uzbekistan, "the fifth-largest uranium producer in the world, has become a strategic supplier for France in recent years." In mid-March, during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's state visit to France, the parties signed a declaration on strategic partnership. The adopted Program of Cooperation in investment and innovation areas outlines the implementation of specific cooperation projects totaling €6.5 billion.

To conclude this piece, it is worth mentioning the forecast from the government of Uzbekistan for 2025, which expects a 6% growth in GDP, with an anticipated increase in industry by 6.1%, agriculture by 4.1%, and the services sector by 14.5%. Thus, it is clear that Uzbekistan is confidently taking a significant place in the emerging new world order before our eyes.