Tashkent, 30 December 2025 — Senior officials from Uzbekistan and China held talks on Thursday focused on expanding investment and modernising the country’s mining sector. The meeting, led by First Deputy Minister of Mining Industry and Geology Feruza Khamidova and Chinese Ambassador Yu Jun, reviewed recent reforms and investment projects carried out under Uzbek-Chinese cooperation.
Uzbekistan China mining investment outlook
The delegation discussed the updated Law On Subsoil and the incentives it offers to foreign investors. Uzbek officials outlined the legal and regulatory changes implemented in recent years that aim to streamline permitting, increase transparency and improve fiscal terms for developing deposits. Chinese representatives emphasised the importance of clear rules as a basis for long-term projects in exploration, extraction and downstream processing.
Special attention was given to ongoing projects that involve Chinese companies in Uzbekistan’s mining industry. Officials noted progress on several initiatives that target metals and other strategic minerals, and they highlighted opportunities for expanding cooperation in areas such as geological surveying, mine development and beneficiation. The two sides also reviewed mechanisms to attract additional capital and technical expertise to the sector.
Officials said the updated subsoil framework and enhanced investor protections create favourable conditions for foreign participation. They discussed measures to speed up project implementation, including more efficient licensing procedures and better coordination between central and regional authorities. Representatives from the ministry and the embassy agreed to deepen institutional contacts to ensure smoother execution of joint ventures and bilateral projects.
Beyond individual projects, the meeting reflected a broader push to integrate Uzbekistan more closely into regional commodity chains. China’s demand for critical minerals remains a motivating factor for new investment, while Uzbekistan seeks partners to develop its resource base and add value domestically through processing and manufacturing. Both sides indicated an interest in boosting technology transfer and capacity building as part of future agreements.
Ministry officials also highlighted environmental and social governance considerations. They said that attracting quality investment means adhering to international standards for workplace safety, environmental protection and community engagement. Participants agreed that clear environmental requirements and predictable enforcement would help build investor confidence while protecting local communities and ecosystems.
The meeting closed with a commitment to continue dialogue and explore targeted projects that can move quickly from planning to execution. Uzbek authorities expressed readiness to present specific opportunities to Chinese investors and to facilitate site visits and technical assessments. The embassy indicated it would promote Uzbek projects within China’s business community and coordinate follow-up visits by industry delegations.
As Central Asia’s economies seek new sources of capital and expertise, closer cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in mining and geology points to practical partnership. The talks on 30 December reinforced a mutual interest in connecting resources, investment and technology to support economic growth and strengthen bilateral trade ties.
Key Takeaways:
- Uzbekistan and China discussed reforms and investment opportunities in the mining sector following an update to the Law On Subsoil.
- Chinese investors are actively involved in current projects and further cooperation aims to attract fresh capital and technology.
- The discussions signal strengthening economic ties between Uzbekistan and China and potential growth for regional commodity supply chains.
