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Abstract:

Uzbekistan, positioned as a landlocked Central Asian nation, contends with formidable trade competitiveness challenges influenced by its geographical location and economic history. Chief among these hurdles is the considerable cost and time associated with cross-border trade, exacerbated by its double-landlocked status, which typically results in prolonged transit times and heightened transportation expenses, diminishing its competitiveness in global markets. Furthermore, Uzbekistan's trade portfolio, historically reliant on exports of cotton, gold, and natural gas, renders its economy susceptible to fluctuations in prices and global market dynamics. To fortify its trade competitiveness, Uzbekistan must diversify into value-added sectors and enhance trade logistics infrastructure. Addressing these challenges requires the implementation of strategic policy measures and fostering international cooperation to unlock Uzbekistan's full potential in global trade.

In this study, we focus on analyzing trade volume between Uzbekistan and Central Asian countries, employing a comprehensive evaluation index system for trade facilitation. Utilizing the gravity model, we assess the trade facilitation levels across Central Asian nations and investigate their impact, alongside four primary indicators, on total trade volume. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of trade facilitation in shaping bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and its Central Asian counterparts, revealing a significant positive correlation between the trade facilitation levels of partner countries and trade volume.

This research contributes to the scholarly literature by shedding light on the specific trade challenges faced by landlocked Central Asian nations like Uzbekistan and providing empirical evidence of the importance of trade facilitation in driving bilateral trade within the region. By contextualizing our findings within the broader literature on trade competitiveness and regional economic integration, we highlight the significance of addressing trade facilitation barriers in advancing economic development and promoting regional cooperation in Central Asia.