The recent visits of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan have significantly enhanced the scope, strategic importance and utility of linking CPEC and BRI in the days to come.

Successfully combining these initiatives is expected to substantially boost trans-regional connectivity, socio-economic integration, infrastructure development and banking and finance cooperation, while placing the countries, their economies, communities and enterprises on the path of sustainable economic growth. Strong political will, peaceful conflict resolution, private sector participation and appropriate economic and strategic measures will be essential to achieve the ambitious goal of connecting Central Asia with South Asia.

The robust economies of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are pivotal to the prospective integration of CPEC and BRI. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), in its “Macroeconomic Outlook for 2026-2028,” reviewed recent developments and projected positive trends for both nations. Uzbekistan’s economy is expected to expand by 6.8 percent in 2026, supported by strong investment activity and favourable gold prices. Inflation is projected to decline to 6.7 percent, aided by tight monetary policy and a stable exchange rate, while the average soum exchange rate is forecasted at UZS 12,800 per US dollar, supported by high remittances and rising metal exports.

According to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, economic activity in 2025 exceeded expectations, driven by resilient aggregate demand. High investment activity, fiscal spending and increasing remittances are anticipated to continue supporting income growth and stimulating consumer demand. President Mirziyoyev noted that........

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