ALMATY, Kazakhstan — Issues of interstate cooperation were discussed by the Prime Ministers of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Alikhan Smailov and Abdulla Aripov, after a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Almaty on February 3.
The sides “synchronized their watches” on plans to enhance cooperation in trade and economic, transit and transport and water-energy spheres, as well as joint steps in industrial cooperation and agriculture, the press service of the Kazakh prime minister reported.
Smailov emphasized that the two countries have established strong harmonious relations that are dynamically developing in all spheres. Thus, based on last year’s results, the bilateral trade turnover has grown by almost 30% and reached the planned target of $5 billion.
“This has become possible thanks to our joint efforts. Now, in accordance with the tasks set at the highest level, we need to increase the volume of mutual trade up to $10 billion in the medium term,” the Kazakh Prime Minister said.
Uzbek Prime Minister Aripov said that the countries have gained positive experience in industrial cooperation, especially in the automotive industry. Experts have started working on promising projects in the oil and gas, chemical, energy, metallurgical and other industries.