"China has capital, and we need capital" – Sinologist scholar

“China has capital, and we need capital” – Sinologist scholar

Azizbek Nigmanov stressed that Uzbekistan should actively utilize economic cooperation with China, particularly in investment and transport projects.

In an episode of the “Qurultoy” podcast dedicated to the Chinese economy and its historical ties with Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Azizbek Nigmanov, Associate Professor at the Nordic International University and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics, expressed his views on the importance of economic cooperation between the two countries.

According to the expert, relations between China and Central Asia have long been based on trade and economic interests. Today, this cooperation continues in a new form, including through investments and major infrastructure projects.

“They have capital, we have resources. They lack resources, we lack capital. We must make use of these ties—economically, politically, and socially,” Nigmanov said.

In the scholar’s opinion, it is incorrect to view China's economic activity in the region solely from the perspective of its own interests. Any major international project also provides participating states with an opportunity to advance their own interests.

During the conversation, the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project was also discussed. Nigmanov noted that this transport corridor is important for Uzbekistan in terms of expanding international trade and logistics opportunities.

As he explained, while the main routes of the ancient Silk Road passed through Central Asia, in the modern transport system, some major trade corridors pass to the north of the region. The new railway could serve to strengthen Uzbekistan's participation in international transit.

Additionally, the project aligns with China's interests as well, since there is access to Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Iran via Uzbekistan.

Nigmanov emphasized that this very mutual benefit should be utilized in developing economic ties with China. In his view, China's need for resources and Uzbekistan's need for capital and investment can serve as a foundation for expanding cooperation.