Uzbekistan and Belarus are strengthening their cooperation in the transport and logistics sector through initiatives focused on expanding international transport corridors, increasing freight volumes and reinforcing Eurasian connectivity.
According to a statement issued by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan, the two countries are continuing to broaden collaboration across multiple regional transport platforms while working to improve transport links throughout Eurasia. Their cooperation is being carried forward within the framework of the CIS Coordinating Transport Meeting, the Organization for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD), and the Council for Railway Transport of CIS Member States. In addition, both countries remain actively engaged through multilateral organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where the development of international transport corridors continues to be a shared priority.
Belarus remains one of Uzbekistan’s major trade and transport partners. Freight transportation between the two countries reached 850,000 tons in 2025, representing a 30% increase compared with the previous year.
“The growth in freight volumes demonstrates the existing potential for expanding mutual transportation, particularly through increasing Uzbek exports and developing new logistics routes,” the statement said.
At present, imports account for the largest share of cargo movements, including timber products and food supplies, while Uzbekistan’s exports primarily consist of agricultural products. Against the backdrop of geopolitical challenges and the diversification of global supply chains, both countries are placing increased emphasis on establishing alternative transport routes linking East and West as well as North and South.
Among the projects under consideration is a multimodal transport corridor connecting Belarus – Russia – Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – ports of the Indian Ocean. The initiative originated in 2023 when the transport ministers of Uzbekistan, Russia and Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of understanding during the SCO Transport Forum in Tashkent. Belarus and Pakistan joined the memorandum in 2024, while discussions regarding Afghanistan’s participation remain ongoing.
Project estimates indicate that the proposed route could be approximately twice as short as existing alternatives while reducing delivery periods by two to three times. The initiative also includes plans for common operating standards, unified transport documentation and harmonized technical procedures among participating countries, supporting broader Eurasian connectivity.
Transit Growth and Digital Cooperation Support Long-Term Connectivity
Uzbekistan’s expanding role as a regional transit country has already produced measurable results. During the first quarter of 2026, transit freight volumes moving through Uzbekistan toward southern destinations increased by 23% year-on-year to reach 1.8 million tons. Of this total, 1.3 million tons were transported by rail, while 500,000 tons moved by road.
The two countries are also evaluating opportunities to expand digital collaboration through the introduction of electronic exchanges of road transport permits using the E-permit system.
“Digitalization of permit procedures will improve transparency, reduce the impact of human factors, and strengthen control over the use of permits amid growing road freight volumes,” the statement said.
Officials noted that transport cooperation between Uzbekistan and Belarus has evolved beyond traditional freight expansion and now carries broader strategic importance. The implementation of these initiatives is expected to strengthen economic ties between Uzbekistan and Belarus while further advancing sustainable Eurasian connectivity across the region.
