The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) has hosted back-to-back roundtable discussions with the non-resident ambassadors of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, highlighting opportunities for Nepal to deepen economic engagement with Central Asia.

The interactions brought together policymakers, business leaders and energy experts, reflecting growing interest in expanding trade and investment ties with the region.

At the first roundtable, titled “Nepal-Uzbekistan: Strengthening Trade and Investment Ties,” Uzbekistan’s non-resident ambassador to Nepal, Sardor Mirzayusupovich Rustambaev, outlined his country’s recent economic reforms and growth. He said Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product had reached nearly $115 billion in 2024, while foreign trade volume had doubled to $65 billion.

“Uzbekistan has undergone comprehensive reforms to create an open, transparent economy,” Rustambaev said, describing the country as a gateway to a regional market of around 300 million people.

First Secretary Abdulaziz Abduganiev highlighted sectors with potential for cooperation, including textiles, manufacturing, green energy and mining. He said Uzbekistan’s textile exports alone exceed $100 million annually and noted the availability of tax incentives and a visa-free regime for citizens of more than 90 countries.

The second roundtable, “Nepal-Tajikistan: Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Focus in Energy,” centred on energy cooperation between the two mountainous, landlocked countries. Tajikistan’s non-resident ambassador, Lukmon Bobokalonzoda, said both nations had the potential to serve as “energy batteries” for their respective regions through hydropower development.

He called for stronger technical cooperation, particularly in high-altitude infrastructure and power grid management, and also stressed the need to improve connectivity. Bobokalonzoda said direct air links between Kathmandu and Dushanbe could help boost tourism and business ties.

Across both discussions, participants emphasised the importance of moving from being landlocked to land-linked economies by translating diplomatic engagement into concrete economic partnerships.

AIDIA said the dialogues were aimed at helping Nepalese policymakers and entrepreneurs better understand Central Asian markets and explore opportunities beyond Nepal’s traditional economic partners.