Golestan Province Ready to Expand Trade Cooperation With Uzbekistan

TEHRAN (Iran News) Amir Yousefi, President of the Gorgan Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the ambassador and described the visit as an honor and a valuable opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations. “This meeting is not merely a diplomatic event—it marks the beginning of a promising path in economic, commercial, and cultural cooperation between Iran and Uzbekistan,” Yousefi stated.

He emphasized the historical and cultural ties between the two countries and identified key areas of potential partnership, including energy, transportation, agriculture, technology, and tourism. “The private sector plays a crucial role in sustainable development,” Yousefi noted, adding that meaningful international trade thrives on trust and active engagement from entrepreneurs and businesspeople rather than solely on governmental agreements.

Highlighting Golestan Province’s commitment to this effort, Yousefi announced the province’s readiness to actively participate in advancing these initiatives. This includes hosting and sending trade delegations, supporting mutual investments, and implementing bilateral agreements.

According to Yousefi, Golestan exported approximately 719,000 tons of non-oil goods worth $463 million in 2024—a 32% increase in volume and a 42% rise in value compared to the previous year. Imports reached $63.4 million in the first nine months of the year, mainly comprising oil, soybeans, cotton, and machinery. Uzbekistan is already among Golestan’s key export markets.

Erazjan Shomali, Vice President of the Gorgan Chamber, shared his personal admiration for Uzbekistan, which he visited two months ago. “I was impressed by the country’s progress, urban order, cleanliness, and precise management,” he said, calling Uzbekistan a “brother nation” to Iran and a top choice for family travel.

Shomali praised the Uzbek people’s ability to balance strong Islamic values with a welcoming atmosphere for foreign tourists. He proposed launching a five-star passenger train connecting Golestan to Tashkent via Turkmenistan. “This could function as a mobile hotel and enhance tourism between our regions,” he suggested.

He also recommended organizing permanent or seasonal exhibitions of Uzbek products in Gorgan to introduce local goods and expand economic relations.

Saeed Safavi, also a board member, praised Uzbekistan’s industrial progress, particularly in textiles, after visiting several advanced facilities in Bukhara. “The textile factories are modern and well-equipped, demonstrating the government’s serious commitment to this industry,” he observed.

Safavi expressed Iran’s interest in importing Uzbek yarn for domestic textile production, particularly in Golestan, with the potential for re-exporting finished fabrics. He highlighted ongoing exports of fabric to Tashkent and said expanding connections with more Uzbek manufacturers could enhance trade for both countries.

In conclusion, Safavi voiced optimism that the meeting would open new doors for bilateral collaboration in textiles and related sectors, allowing the private sectors of both nations to realize their full potential.

This meeting marked a pivotal moment in Iran-Uzbekistan relations, showcasing Golestan Province’s role as a dynamic hub for trade, agriculture, tourism, and industrial cooperation. With mutual respect and a long-term vision, both sides appear poised to deepen their economic partnership.