Tehran, Tashkent poised to seal major bilateral cooperation pact
Following a three-day visit by Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade, Mohammad Atabak, to the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, Iran and Uzbekistan have taken a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade relations as heads of state from both countries are expected to sign a comprehensive trade and cooperation agreement in the near future.
According to Iran’s Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade, Atabak met on Wednesday, the final day of his visit, with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Jamshid Khojayev, along with members of the technical delegations from both sides, ISNA reported.
The two officials reached an agreement on the provisions of the new cooperation accord, which is slated for imminent signing.
During his visit, Atabak also held talks with Uzbekistan’s ministers of mining, investment, and trade to discuss ways to remove existing obstacles and to map out a medium- and long-term roadmap for collaboration between Tehran and Tashkent, reflecting the strong commitment of senior officials in both countries.
In addition, Atabak toured several major industrial companies and the Tashkent Technology Park, engaging with senior executives to explore opportunities for enhanced industrial and technological cooperation.
The visit marks a notable step in deepening economic ties between Iran and Uzbekistan, signaling a shared intent to expand trade, investment, and industrial collaboration across multiple sectors.
Bilateral trade between Iran and Uzbekistan has grown steadily in recent years, reaching about $500 million in 2023. Atabak has said exchanges have increased by nearly 60% so far this year, underscoring Uzbekistan’s importance as Iran’s key gateway to Central Asia.