Indonesia and Uzbekistan Strengthen Trade Cooperation
The Indonesian government views Central Asia as a promising region for developing economic and investment cooperation amid the emergence of new economic corridors in developing areas. This was conveyed by Deputy Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, during her keynote speech at the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Wednesday (17/6/2026).
According to Roro, the Central Asian region now holds a strategic position as a hub connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. She assessed that Uzbekistan is one of the countries showing significant economic development through various reforms undertaken by its government. “The economic reforms carried out by Uzbekistan have increased investor confidence, encouraged industrial development, and strengthened regional connectivity,” Roro stated at the forum.
She also revealed that bilateral trade relations between Indonesia and Uzbekistan continue to show a growth trend. One of the latest developments is the commencement of negotiations for the Indonesia-Uzbekistan Free Trade Agreement (IU-FTA) in early 2026. According to Roro, the IU-FTA negotiations are not only aimed at expanding trade access but also at strengthening economic relations between the Southeast Asian and Central Asian regions. The agreement is expected to boost investment flows, strengthen supply chains, support the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and open new economic opportunities for both countries.
Furthermore, Roro emphasised the importance of business connectivity in supporting sustainable economic cooperation. She noted that trade agreements can open opportunities, but their realisation depends on interaction and collaboration among business actors. On the same occasion, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Ibrohim Ergashev, invited international partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to collaborate in developing trade networks in Central Asia.
According to Ergashev, changes in global supply chains and shifts in trade routes have enhanced the strategic position of the Central Asian region. He said Uzbekistan is strengthening its role as a logistics and industrial investment hub in the region. During the forum, Roro also invited Uzbek business actors to participate in Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, which will take place in Jakarta on 14–18 October 2026. The government hopes the event can serve as a platform for business actors from both countries to explore business opportunities and expand strategic partnerships.
The Indonesian government, Roro continued, is committed to continuously strengthening economic cooperation with Uzbekistan and other international partners to create more inclusive and sustainable growth amidst global economic dynamics.