The "Year of Uzbekistan Tourism in China" was launched in Beijing on Tuesday as the two countries signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption earlier this month to boost exchanges in the flourishing sector.
Centuries-old traditions, bright ornaments, and fine lines that intertwine Uzbek handicrafts have traveled to Beijing. This Central Asian country now places extra emphasis on tourism, and is already working toward its 2025 target.
"From the majestic Registan in Samarkand to the stunning architecture of Buhara, our country is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. We are proud of our heritage and eager to share it with the world," said Umid Shadiev, chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan at the opening ceremony of the event.
Starting next year, the two countries will issue a 30-day visa-free travel policy for each other's citizens, and also start new direct flights.
"We are the second (largest) airline in Uzbekistan. We have started our direct operation from Guangzhou to Tashkent Airport. And this operation will be our start because in 2025, Centrum Air is planning to cover more points in China, and also to cover more points in Uzbekistan," said Salah Kadri, director of International Sales under the Centrum Air, a Uzbekistan based airline.
"Our Chamber of Commerce and Industry currently has about 480,000 businesses in Uzbekistan. China's trade with Uzbekistan this year has already exceeded that of last year, which was 13.4 billion U.S. dollars, and this year it has reached 14 billion U.S. dollars as of August. We are confident that we can achieve 18-billion U.S. dollars by the end of the year," said Sulaymanov Djamshid, the representative in China of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.
From January to October 2024, approximately 6.5 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan, according to local media reports on Saturday, citing the country's statistics agency.
According to country-specific statistics, the largest number of tourists came from Tajikistan, totaling 1.878 million. China ranked seventh with 57,700 visitors.
Umid Shadiev said the Central Asian nation aims to attract one million Chinese tourists each year.
China, Uzbekistan boost exchanges with 30-day visa-free travel policy
