Priorities of Uzbekistan's Foreign Trade Policy Against Global Geo-Economic Changes

Abstract

The global economy is undergoing dynamic geoeconomic transformations, including trade wars, protectionist measures, and shifts in supply chains, all of which demand national economies to adapt rapidly. For Uzbekistan, whose economic openness has accelerated in recent years, foreign trade policy plays a pivotal role in sustaining growth and enhancing international competitiveness. Despite multiple reforms and strategic aspirations, Uzbekistan still faces challenges in diversifying export markets, improving logistics infrastructure, and integrating into global systems such as the WTO. This study analyzes the key directions and reforms of Uzbekistan’s foreign trade policy against the backdrop of global geoeconomic changes, with a focus on mechanisms for ensuring sustainable and competitive integration. The research demonstrates that foreign trade turnover in Uzbekistan reached $65.9 billion in 2024, reflecting policy improvements including customs simplification, digitalization, expansion of free trade zones, and enhanced cooperation with key partners like China, the EU, and Central Asian states. A notable contribution of this study is the integration of trade policy with digital platforms and logistics modernization, creating a model that strengthens Uzbekistan’s export structure and resilience. If sustained, these reforms are expected to improve economic security, job creation, technological transfer, and environmental sustainability, positioning Uzbekistan more effectively in global trade networks.