BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 21. Uzbekistan and
Syria are working to translate a new institutional framework for
economic cooperation into trade contracts, investment projects and
direct business ties following a business forum held in Tashkent on
Sept. 19.
This was reflected in the statement by the Ministry of
Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, following the forum
attended by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade
Laziz Kudratov, Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Muhammad
Nidal al-Shaar, and representatives of trade and industry
associations from both countries.
The Syrian delegation included executives from companies
operating in textiles, pharmaceuticals, food processing, chemicals,
agriculture, construction materials and electrical engineering,
providing a broad base for discussions on potential trade and
investment projects.
The forum followed intergovernmental talks held the previous
day, when Uzbekistan and Syria signed a memorandum establishing a Joint Economic and Trade
Committee and agreed to develop a Business Council. The new
mechanisms are intended to provide a regular framework for
government and business engagement.
The sides also discussed new platforms to promote bilateral
trade. A “Made in Uzbekistan” exhibition is planned in Aleppo and
Damascus in February 2027, while an exhibition of Syrian products
is expected to be held in Tashkent later in 2027.
Uzbekistan’s existing Trading House in Aleppo is expected to serve as a permanent platform
for promoting Uzbek products, identifying potential partners and
developing new commercial initiatives.
The two countries also outlined measures to support companies
entering each other’s markets. Uzbekistan plans to provide support
to domestic businesses through subsidies for warehouse rental,
certification and transportation costs, while Syrian companies
interested in the Uzbek market will receive assistance in
identifying local partners, arranging negotiations and implementing
projects.
“The main task now is to translate the agreements reached by
businesses into concrete contracts, deliveries and investment
decisions, while steadily expanding the scope of cooperation,” the
Uzbek side said.
A working group led by deputy ministers from both countries has
been established to advance sector-specific cooperation. Its work
will focus on identifying specific projects, companies and
practical solutions, with key initiatives expected to be
consolidated into a single roadmap.
The business forum concluded with B2B and B2G meetings, where
companies discussed specific products and projects, identified
potential partners and agreed on next steps for developing
bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
