Uzbekistan and the Philippines intend to intensify trade and economic cooperation. On August 14, Ilzat Kasimov, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, met with Roberto Gutierrez Manalo, the Philippine Ambassador to Uzbekistan, as reported by the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan.
In the first half of 2026, bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached 3.3 million US dollars, representing a 135.6% increase compared to the same period last year.
During the negotiations, the parties identified several promising areas for interaction. These include agriculture, supply of mineral fertilizers, information and communication technologies, electrical engineering, transport, geology, and the textile industry.
Special attention was paid to establishing a Joint Economic Commission, holding a business forum in Manila, developing air transport, personnel training, and cooperation in the field of labor migration. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue practical steps to increase bilateral trade and implement joint projects.
Uzbekistan and South Korea have announced plans to double the volume of mutual trade in the coming years. To achieve this goal, both countries intend to establish a joint working group, eliminate existing trade barriers, and activate direct connections between companies.
The new working group will be responsible for developing measures to increase trade, as well as strengthening business ties between enterprises and eliminating barriers. Special attention is paid to the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), which will support the promotion of Uzbek products in the Korean market.
The countries' cooperation extends beyond mere trade. Currently, South Korean investments in Uzbekistan exceed $8 billion, and 725 companies with Korean capital operate in the country.
The parties are also preparing for the 'Central Asia - Korea' summit, which will be the 13th meeting of the Uzbekistan-Korea Intergovernmental Commission and the first Uzbekistan-Korea Interregional Forum. These events are scheduled to include a gathering of regional representatives, state bodies, and businesses, as well as the organization of the 'Made in Uzbekistan' exhibition to create conditions for direct interaction between companies and regions.
Jamshid Khojaev emphasized that a strong economic foundation has already been established between Uzbekistan and South Korea, and the next stage of development must be realized through the introduction of new technologies, projects, and strengthening direct interaction between companies.
In the context of bilateral cooperation, previously the presidents of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Sadyr Japarov, agreed to elevate their partnership during negotiations in Cholpon-Ata. As a result of this meeting, it was decided to establish an Interstate Council, accelerate the launch of major infrastructure projects, and increase mutual trade turnover to $2 billion.
According to data from the National Statistical Committee, in the first half of 2026, Uzbekistan imported significantly more natural gas than it exported, with import volumes growing while exports decreased.
Natural gas imported from Russia and Turkmenistan increased by 41.4% compared to the previous year, reaching $971.7 million for the period from January to June. The total amount included $86.3 million in liquefied gas imports, which grew threefold.
During the first half of the year, gas imports fluctuated. After reaching $167.6 million in January, imports fell to $34.6 million in February, and then rose to $158.3 million in March. In April, imports amounted to $147.8 million, rising to $216.4 million in May, and reaching their highest annual value of $247 million in June.
Exports of natural gas from Uzbekistan decreased by 34.4% over this six-month period, totaling $232.9 million. Exports were completely suspended in January and resumed in February at a level of $7.1 million.
In March, exports increased more than fivefold compared to February, reaching $29.4 million. Subsequently, they rose to $92.7 million in April, before falling to $73.5 million in May and $30 million in June.
Data from the National Statistical Committee differs from information published by the General Customs Administration of China. According to Chinese customs statistics, Uzbekistan exported natural gas worth $218.6 million during the period from January to June 2026, which is $14.2 million less than indicated by the Uzbek statistical agency. Chinese data also recorded a decrease in natural gas imports into Uzbekistan.
According to Chinese figures, exports in June amounted to $79.03 million, which is 23.7% less than in the same month last year. Compared to January-June 2025, when exports totaled $368.5 million, natural gas exports decreased by more than 40%.
