Tehran, Tashkent set overall roadmaps to boost economic relations
Iran and Uzbekistan have agreed on short-, medium- and long-term roadmaps aimed at raising bilateral trade and industrial cooperation, according to a statement from Iran’s Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade following talks in Tashkent.
During the visit, Mohammad Atabak, Iran’s minister of industry, mining and trade, held joint discussions with Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s minister of investment, industry and trade, and Babur Islamov, the country’s minister of mining and geology, mimt.gov.ir reported.
The two sides reached agreements seen as paving the way for a significant expansion in commercial exchanges between the two countries.
"Even though cooperation is already on an upward trajectory, based on the firm determination of the presidents of both countries, we must reach the outlined goals," Atabak said.
The talks focused on defining coordinated roadmaps to achieve agreed economic targets and on cooperation to resolve existing barriers in customs procedures, banking channels and transportation links.
Facilitating trade and boosting collaboration in the mining and mineral industries, where both countries see strong potential, were among the central issues discussed.
Atabak traveled to Uzbekistan at the head of a delegation of senior ministry officials, lawmakers from economic and industry committees, and industrial sector representatives. On the second day of the visit, the delegation toured major industrial companies and a technology park in Tashkent, accompanied by Iran’s ambassador and parliamentary members.
The delegation also met with Iranian businesspeople and traders based in Uzbekistan, where discussions centered on expanding private-sector involvement to support increased bilateral trade.
Bilateral trade has expanded steadily in recent years, with official data placing its value at around $500 million in 2023.
Speaking at the meeting with Iranian traders and businesspeople based in Uzbekistan, Atabak said trade between the two countries has grown by “about 58%” so far in the current Iranian calendar year (began on March 21), reflecting what he described as Uzbekistan’s role as a key economic link to Central Asia.