Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng signs a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with Shavkat Umurzakov, acting mayor of Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, in Shanghai on Jan 22, 2024. [Photo by Zhang Chunhai]

Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng and Shavkat Umurzakov, acting mayor of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, met in Shanghai on Jan 22 and signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation.

Calling Tashkent a pivotal hub on the Silk Road, Gong emphasized the importance of strengthening exchanges and collaboration between the two cities in various fields.

Recognizing Tashkent's significance as a major economic force in Central Asia, Gong underscored its role as a key investment destination for Shanghai enterprises. He expressed the desire to deepen economic, trade, and industrial cooperation.

Gong extended a warm invitation for active participation by Tashkent enterprises in the China International Import Expo, bringing more goods and services to Shanghai.

Gong said he looked forward to Tashkent's continued support for Shanghai enterprises investing and growing in the Uzbek capital. He also expressed the aspiration to boost mutual tourism, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between the two nations and the two cities.

Umurzakov echoed the sentiment, expressing a shared desire to deepen exchanges in economic, social and cultural realms between the friendship cities. He warmly welcomed Chinese enterprises to invest in Tashkent, anticipating expanded collaboration among their businesses.

The sisterhood between the two cities was established in 1994.

Source: "shanghaifabu" WeChat account