Leaders of Uzbekistan and Malaysia agreed to designate 2025−2026 as the period for innovative development in the Uzbek-Malaysian partnership. This was announced in Kuala Lumpur on 5 February during talks between president of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and prime minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim.
According to the press service of the president of Uzbekistan, the priority areas for the “new model of economic cooperation” include petrochemicals and chemicals, electronics and semiconductor industry, innovative manufacturing, smart agriculture, green energy, pilgrimage tourism and more.
The talks, initially held in a narrow format and then in the expanded format, focused on issues related to expanding bilateral relations in various fields.
To coordinate the development of cooperation and implement high-level agreements, the decision was made to create a Strategic Dialogue platform for Foreign Ministers.
The parties agreed to continue mutual support within the framework of the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other international structures. The Malaysian government emphasized its active support for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.
In order to increase trade turnover, an agreement was reached to develop a Preferential Trade Agreement, hold mutual industrial exhibitions and adopt an Industrial Cooperation Program.
A special economic zone will be created in Tashkent region under the management of a leading Malaysian company to support cooperation projects.
The leaders of the two countries called for continued active cultural and humanitarian exchange. This year, mutual Culture Weeks will be held in Uzbekistan and Malaysia.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Anwar Ibrahim also discussed regional cooperation issues. They highlighted the significance of joining efforts in the fight against terrorism, radicalism and Islamophobia.
During the official visit of president of Uzbekistan to Malaysia, meetings of analytical centers, presentations of Uzbekistan’s tourism potential and cultural heritage, a forum of university rectors and other events took place.
Last May, prime minister of Malaysia visited Uzbekistan on an official visit. The first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission was held, a Business Council was created and a number of large business forums were organized.
In 2024, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Malaysia reached $102.4 million, with exports amounting to nearly $6 million and imports totaling $96.4 million.
According to the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade, Uzbekistan is increasing its export of services, chemical and food products to Malaysia. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) opened a representative office at Malaysian embassy in Tashkent. There are 37 enterprises with Malaysian capital operating in Uzbekistan.
