Uzbekistan and DowGene Discuss Cooperation in Biotechnology

A business forum took place in Tashkent between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, attended by representatives from over 110 large and medium-sized private companies from Kazakhstan. The event was organized as part of fulfilling the directives of the presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan aimed at increasing bilateral trade to 10 billion US dollars.

Forum participants noted that the next stage of economic interaction development should focus on deepening industrial cooperation and creating joint production of high value-added products.

The National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan, "Atameken," proposed concentrating joint efforts on three main areas. These include ensuring transparent access for enterprises to raw materials and expanding industrial cooperation, digitizing transport and logistics infrastructure and customs procedures, as well as increasing mutual investments, launching joint production projects, and localizing businesses.

The Kazakh side also put forward a proposal to create a permanent expert working group and develop a joint roadmap for harmonizing tariff, raw material, and customs mechanisms.

A practical result of the forum was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Uzbek company "Glasfit Energy" and the Kazakh enterprise "Armature Insulator Plant LLP." Following the forum, B2B negotiations took place, during which business representatives from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan discussed opportunities for implementing joint projects, finding new partners, and expanding direct business ties.

Representatives of state bodies and business circles from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan discussed opportunities for partnership in the field of pharmaceuticals, industrial cooperation, and joint investment projects. The event took place as part of the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum held in Bishkek.

A panel session dedicated to healthcare and pharmaceuticals was organized within this forum. During the session, a representative of the Agency for the Development of Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry of Uzbekistan presented information on the investment potential of the country's pharmaceutical sector.

Forum participants received information about current investment projects being implemented in Uzbekistan, as well as about state support measures, the investment climate, and opportunities provided by free economic zones. Furthermore, reforms aimed at developing the pharmaceutical industry were presented.

During the discussion, the parties also exchanged views on expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in the field of drug production, technology transfer, and the implementation of joint initiatives.

Abdulla Azizov, Director of the Agency for the Development of Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry of Uzbekistan, held talks with representatives of Saudi companies The Health Holding Company (HHC) and The National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO). These representatives arrived as part of an official delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The parties focused on several key aspects: modernization of Uzbekistan's medical and pharmaceutical sectors, implementation of projects in the BioPharma City pharmaceutical cluster, improving the investment climate, and creating high-tech production facilities with the participation of foreign partners.

Discussion of Production Processes

During the meeting, issues regarding optimizing supply chains and the production of pharmaceutical products, implementing modern methods in state procurement systems, technology transfer, logistics development, attracting investments, and prospects for joint ventures were also discussed.

Role of Saudi Companies

The Health Holding Company is a state entity of Saudi Arabia that participates in transforming the kingdom's national healthcare system in accordance with the Vision 2030 strategy. In turn, The National Unified Procurement Company acts as a state operator specializing in centralized procurement and uninterrupted supply of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare technologies.