Uzbekistan expands business ties with European companies at the Eurochambres Congress

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.

The Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Sherzod Shermatov, and the Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Belarus in Uzbekistan, Alexander Ogorodnikov, held a meeting to discuss further interaction in the field of digital technologies and IT services.

The press service of the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan reported that the parties reviewed opportunities to deepen cooperation in the IT sector. Before the meeting, the Belarusian delegation visited IT Park Uzbekistan, where they were presented with information about the development of Uzbekistan's IT ecosystem, measures to attract foreign investment, working conditions for IT companies, available tax benefits, and ways to increase export potential.

Special attention was paid to the conditions for residents of IT Park, startup support mechanisms, as well as opportunities for Uzbek and foreign IT companies to enter international markets. The delegation then visited UZINFOCOM, where they were shown the organization's activities in the field of digital government, digitalization of public services, and the implementation of digital solutions for citizens and businesses.

Following the presentations, there was an exchange of views regarding Uzbekistan's experience in digital transformation, implemented solutions, and prospects for their practical application. During the meeting, possibilities for increasing the export of IT services, exchanging experience, and strengthening ties between companies from the two countries were discussed.

The parties also studied the prospects for expanding the activities of Belarusian IT companies in Uzbekistan and implementing joint projects in the local market. Significant potential for further cooperation in digital technologies and IT services within the framework of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Belarus was noted.

At the end of the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue between the relevant organizations and IT companies of both countries, as well as jointly seeking directions for practical cooperation and mutually beneficial projects.