The 4th Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Interregional Forum, held in Tashkent, focused on expanding relations between the two countries and implementing joint projects, with a number of documents exchanged.
The 4th Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Interregional Forum was held in Tashkent with the support of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, and jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and Uzbekistan’s Agency for Attracting Foreign Investments.
Alongside government officials from both countries, nearly 400 companies operating in heavy industry, machinery, metallurgy and metal processing, construction, textiles, agriculture, food, tourism, education, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, engineering, consulting, mining, chemicals, furniture, electrical engineering, automotive, leather goods, plastics processing and other sectors were represented at the event.
Speaking at the forum, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov said that the intensive development of Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan relations, driven by the political will of the two heads of state, provides an important impetus for further diversifying economic ties and strengthening business partnerships. The Minister highlighted the positive dynamics in economic relations between the two countries, which enjoy strategic partnership relations, and noted broad opportunities for strengthening regional connectivity. It was emphasized that relations are developing actively not only at the intergovernmental level but also between cities and regions.
The participants discussed opportunities to actively promote cooperation and strengthen partnerships in industry, investment, trade, energy, transport and transit, digitalization, agriculture and other areas, as well as direct ties between business communities.
It was also emphasized that the Middle Corridor is one of the key areas of economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The goal is to transform the corridor from merely a transit route into an economic platform where added value is created. To this end, it is important to deepen cooperation in coordinating rail and maritime transportation, optimizing tariffs, and expanding digital data exchange.
It was noted that Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur are of particular importance in terms of new investment opportunities. Infrastructure created by the government and investment incentives provide favorable conditions for the private sector. Uzbekistan’s support for the reconstruction of the liberated territories is an important indication of the brotherly ties between the two countries.
Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov said that economic relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are developing consistently. It was emphasized that there are broad opportunities to increase mutual trade and investment, strengthen direct business ties between regions, and implement joint projects.
AZPROMO Executive Director Yusif Abdullayev and Acting Director of Uzbekistan’s Agency for Attracting Foreign Investments Roxana Nesor provided information on the investment and export potential of both countries and the support mechanisms available to entrepreneurs.
The forum also featured speeches by Deputy Head of the Tashkent City Administration Sharof Rakhmanov, Head of the Baku City Executive Authority Eldar Azizov, Deputy Head of the Tashkent Region Administration Jakhongir Mamajonov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts Emin Huseynov, Head of the Namangan City Administration Ayubkhon Kamalov, and Head of the Bilasuvar District Executive Authority Faig Gurbanov. The speakers shared views on expanding interregional cooperation and creating new partnership opportunities. In addition, Davron Khidoyatov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of “Uzavtosanoat” JSC, and Javid Abdullayev, Member of the Board of “Azersheker” LLC, discussed expanding joint business activities and promoting joint projects.
As part of the successful conclusion of the 4th Interregional Forum between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, a number of documents aimed at developing cooperation between the two countries in various fields were exchanged. The documents cover priority areas such as energy, finance, infrastructure, construction and manufacturing, and are expected to further strengthen ties between business associations, fully unlock the potential of the private sector, and facilitate the implementation of joint projects.
The forum continued with meetings between business representatives.
