Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have significantly accelerated the implementation of previously reached agreements in recent weeks, turning their political alliance into concrete trade, investment and regional projects. Recent contacts between Baku and Tashkent show that the current momentum goes well beyond high-level meetings. In August, the two sides have simultaneously advanced new trade targets, prepared an interregional forum, discussed industrial and investment projects, expanded cooperation in technology and security, and stepped up media and regional ties.
The economy remains one of the main drivers of this process. According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, trade turnover with Azerbaijan reached $307.3 million in 2025, up 14.6%. In January-June 2026, trade amounted to $170.3 million, 30.8% higher than in the same period a year earlier.
Tashkent and Baku have now set a longer-term target of raising bilateral trade to $1 billion by 2030. A dedicated program and roadmap are being prepared to implement the agreements reached toward this goal. Significantly, this target is being pursued alongside other areas of cooperation.
The fourth Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Interregional Forum will be held in Tashkent on August 22, with the aim of expanding direct contacts between the countries’ regions and business communities and helping launch new trade and investment projects. The interregional dimension has become one of the most visible elements of the current agenda. The presidents of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan had previously agreed to place greater emphasis on cooperation between their regions, and that commitment is now being translated into practical initiatives.
During a 2024 press statement in Tashkent alongside President Ilham Aliyev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed that the two countries were not limiting themselves to political declarations. Our ministries and agencies have also embraced the expectation that we must fulfill everything we plan with Azerbaijan,” he said. The current momentum reflects that approach.
On August 19, another round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries was held in Tashkent. Deputy Foreign Ministers Bobur Usmanov and Samir Sharifov discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations within the framework of strategic partnership and alliance. The talks also covered trade and investment, industry, transport, logistics, energy and culture.
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