The Chinese Embassy in Uzbekistan hosted a press conference with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Yu Jun, who shared insights on China’s economy, political activities, and the growing relationship between China and Uzbekistan. Representatives from Chinese companies operating in Uzbekistan also participated, discussing their successful joint projects in the country.

Ambassador Yu emphasized the importance of media in promoting values, spreading impartial information, and fostering social development. “Uzbekistan’s media opens the door to the world for its people, strengthening ties with China and actively supporting bilateral relations,” Yu Jun remarked.

He further noted that China is committed to supporting Uzbekistan’s energy transition and has become the world’s largest market for renewable energy. Highlighting China’s leadership in wind and solar energy production, Yu outlined the potential for deeper cooperation in transitioning Uzbekistan toward a low-carbon economy, with renewable energy targets set to reach 40% by 2030.

The ambassador also discussed China’s Belt and Road Initiative, noting that over 3,000 projects, including more than 130 aimed at improving lives, have been implemented worldwide. According to the World Bank, the initiative could lift 7 million people out of extreme poverty and reduce moderate poverty for 32 million by 2030.

Addressing economic cooperation, Yu stated that China aims to increase imports of high-quality agricultural products and other goods from Uzbekistan, with a goal to expand bilateral trade to $20 billion. The Chinese government is committed to supporting Uzbekistan’s bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is providing necessary assistance in this process.

Yu concluded by discussing China’s economy amidst global challenges, emphasizing the need for implementing a medium-term development plan for trade, investment, and prioritizing projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Yu also highlighted prospects for visa-free travel, increased cooperation in tourism, green development, digital economy, and artificial intelligence.

After the event, Ambassador Yu Jun answered journalists’ questions in detail.