Uzbekistan and the USA held a transport and logistics forum in Washington

Uzbekistan and Oman held discussions aimed at expanding trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between the two states, as well as improving transport and logistical connectivity.

The issues were discussed by Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, and Oman's Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investment Promotion, Anwar bin Hilal Al Jabri.

The parties reviewed measures that would increase bilateral trade and expand the range of goods, as well as simplify access for Uzbek and Omani companies to the markets of both countries.

Particular attention was paid to creating direct contacts between exporters, buyers, and importers, as well as eliminating barriers related to standards, certification, and customs procedures.

One of the key issues was the proposal to conclude a preferential trade agreement. The parties discussed accelerating technical work to determine the list of goods, tariffs, and rules of origin for products.

Furthermore, the possibility of updating the agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments is being considered, which is expected to create more favorable conditions for investors and expand economic interaction.

In the field of industrial cooperation, the parties discussed implementing joint production projects based on market demand and investment needs. The importance of direct interaction between companies to identify commercially viable projects was emphasized.

Logistics also became an important part of the negotiations. The possibility of using Oman's port infrastructure to develop maritime routes and facilitate the movement of goods between the countries was examined.

The further use of direct flights between Muscat and Tashkent to support trade and investment and expand companies' market access was also discussed.

Significant attention was given to the participation of the private sector. In particular, the parties considered the possibilities of creating export-oriented production facilities in Oman's economic and free zones.

Additionally, it was planned to establish a business council and hold a business forum to present investment opportunities and establish direct links between companies, investors, and potential partners.

The discussions also focused on preparing practical results for the sixth meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Committee of Oman-Uzbekistan, which will take place in Muscat. The parties stressed the need to define priority projects and establish clear mechanisms for further interaction to develop cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, industry, and logistics.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khojaev announced the expansion of practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in the fields of trade, industrial interaction, and transport connectivity following the meeting in Astana.

At the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin participated. The parties discussed the implementation of a joint program for economic and trade cooperation, which covers projects in areas such as agriculture, tourism, petrochemicals, logistics, energy, and industry.

Particular attention was paid to eliminating obstacles to bilateral trade, increasing the capacity of border crossings, developing transport infrastructure, and promoting specific industrial initiatives.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the signing in Astana of a trilateral memorandum of understanding on the CASA project between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the United Arab Emirates.

This project envisions the creation of an economic route between South and Central Asia through Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, providing access to Indian Ocean ports.

According to Khojaev, integrating this route with Kazakhstan's transport network will form the basis for the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan corridor. The goal of this route is to expand the region's opportunities to access South Asian markets.

Uzbekistan views the planned route not only as railway infrastructure but also as an integrated economic ecosystem. Its development is expected to include digital solutions, terminals, warehouses, industrial sites, and service infrastructure.

Attracting private investment and financing from international financial institutions for the implementation of these projects is also planned. Khojaev noted that projects of this scale can shape a new architecture of regional connectivity, where transport infrastructure supports the growth of trade, industrial cooperation, and access to new markets for the countries of the region.