TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Public Relations Office of the Arak Chamber of Commerce, the Uzbek ambassador, during a visit to Markazi Province, held discussions with provincial officials and economic stakeholders. At the outset of the meeting, Saeed Beigzadeh, Deputy for Executive and International Affairs of the Arak Chamber, highlighted the province’s experience in developing economic relations with Uzbekistan. He referred to the chamber’s role in organizing exhibitions and dispatching trade delegations, noting that participation in the first specialized exhibition of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Uzbekistan, followed by subsequent exhibitions with Iranian companies, provided valuable opportunities to become familiar with the Uzbek market and its capabilities. These efforts, he said, also helped establish sustainable trade relations through diverse delegations sent to different regions of Uzbekistan.

Beigzadeh added that these initiatives had led to the establishment of offices and factories by Iranian companies in Uzbekistan, many of which are now operating continuously. He also pointed to recent negotiations with the Deputy Head of the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce, stating that it has been agreed to allocate a location to the Arak Chamber to serve as a liaison between Iranian and Uzbek companies and to facilitate the presence of economic actors.

Nasser Beiki, President of the Arak Chamber of Commerce, referred to 25 years of economic and trade engagement between Markazi Province and Uzbekistan, stressing that the achievements of the private sector form the foundation for expanding economic relations with other countries. He described Markazi as one of Iran’s key industrial and agricultural hubs, with strong production capacity, skilled human resources, and advanced infrastructure capable of supporting international trade.

Seyed Mehdi Mirashrafi, Executive Secretary of the Arak Chamber, emphasized Uzbekistan’s strategic position in Asia and its potential for trade cooperation with Iran. He noted that as a landlocked country, Uzbekistan could benefit significantly from Iran’s access to open waters, major ports, and extensive land and rail routes. He identified international transportation and customs barriers as the two main challenges in expanding bilateral trade, suggesting that a joint international transport company could play a decisive role in facilitating transit and trade in the short term.

Mirashrafi expressed optimism that, with coordinated efforts, the governor’s target of increasing bilateral trade to around $300 million in the first year could be achieved, contributing to economic growth in Markazi Province and stronger trade ties with Uzbekistan.

Hamed Amini, First Vice President of the Arak Chamber, highlighted the role of joint chambers in guiding Iran’s recent trade relations, noting that the Iran–Uzbekistan Joint Chamber has been active for four to five years. He pointed to financial, transportation, and tariff-related challenges, including issues with certificates of origin and the absence of a finalized trade tariff agreement, which have constrained trade development.

Mohammadreza Jafari, Second Vice President of the Arak Chamber, stressed the necessity of establishing a permanent and structured presence in target markets. Drawing on successful experience in Azerbaijan, he argued that opening a permanent Iranian trade office in Uzbekistan would ensure continuity, follow-up, and tangible results, positioning Uzbekistan as a gateway to Central Asia and Eurasian markets.

Other participants, including members of the chamber’s board, underscored the importance of the physical presence of Iranian traders and industrialists in Uzbekistan, as well as joint investment and permanent trade offices, as key tools for achieving sustainable economic relations. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on leveraging shared cultural and tourism capacities alongside trade to deepen long-term cooperation between Iran and Uzbekistan.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Public Relations Office of the Arak Chamber of Commerce, Nasser Biki made the remarks at a meeting of economic operators from Markazi Province with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Tehran. He said structural problems and economic pressures have trapped many businesspeople in routine activities, diverting them from their core mission of export development.

“Currency depreciation, personnel issues, and difficult economic conditions have distanced us from our main responsibility—exports,” Biki said. “These challenges have prevented forward momentum.”

Criticizing weak market intelligence, he added that while Iranian firms produce goods, they often lack the know-how to export them effectively. “A Chinese producer can visit a market with a simple camera, identify demand, and manufacture the right product. This weakness lies with us, and we must acknowledge it,” he said.

Referring to Uzbekistan’s foreign trade figures, Biki noted that the country’s international trade reached about $47.8 billion in 2024 and has recently approached $100 billion. “Yet Iran’s share of this vast market is less than one percent, despite being a neighboring country. Our presence should be far more substantial,” he said.

He urged Iran’s private sector to capitalize on opportunities in Central Asia and prevent competitors from dominating regional markets.

Biki also pointed to shortcomings in internal coordination, saying visits by foreign ambassadors to provinces should be planned in advance to include tours of major production units. “Having to submit multiple requests is not befitting of a chamber of commerce,” he said.

Highlighting the need to facilitate trade ties, he announced efforts—together with the Uzbek ambassador—to establish a permanent base in Uzbekistan for Iranian traders. “This hub would enable practical, organized, and sustainable engagement and serve as a point of connection for economic actors in both countries,” he said, calling on businesspeople to remain engaged with the chamber to strengthen the initiative.

Addressing the role and limitations of government, Biki said the state is naturally preoccupied with political, security, and cultural issues, while non-oil economic growth depends on the private sector. “Without effective efforts by economic actors, no sustainable transformation will occur,” he warned.

He also cited Iran’s weak performance in tourism, noting that in 2023 Iran earned around $1 billion from tourism, compared with Turkey’s $54.7 billion. “This gap shows we have overlooked many capacities,” he said.

Biki further noted that new authorities granted to provincial governors allow for the establishment of economic bases in neighboring countries. “Uzbekistan, as an observer member of the Eurasian Economic Union, is the best option for this initiative, and we must seize the opportunity,” he said.

In closing, he addressed the Uzbek ambassador, saying: “You have set a $2 billion trade target with Iran. We are ready to establish a permanent base for Uzbek economic actors in Markazi Province and provide all necessary facilities. We hope to achieve this shared goal together.”

At the outset of the meeting, the Deputy for International Affairs of the Arak Chamber of Commerce described the presence of the Uzbek ambassador and deputy head of mission as a valuable opportunity to showcase the province’s capacities. Saeed Beigzadeh said the main objective of hosting foreign delegations is to familiarize them with the industrial, economic, and commercial strengths of Markazi Province and to create platforms for joint cooperation.

He added that an economic delegation from the province is scheduled to visit Uzbekistan next month, with a specific Uzbek province to be selected as the destination to streamline official coordination and avoid procedural complications.

A member of the Arak Chamber’s Board of Representatives, Abolfazl Babaei, said the visit by the Uzbek diplomatic delegation reflects the serious intent of both sides to expand economic ties. He highlighted Markazi Province’s strong industrial, agricultural, and export capacities, describing it as a reliable partner for Uzbek businesses.

Babaei said the chamber stands ready to facilitate private-sector engagement between the two countries and noted that an upcoming trade mission to Uzbekistan aims to conduct on-the-ground assessments of investment opportunities and export potential.

Later in the meeting, Seyed Mehdi Mirashrafi, Executive Secretary of the Arak Chamber, said bilateral trade between Iran and Uzbekistan currently stands at around $500 million, despite a target of $2 billion set during recent presidential talks. He described the goal as achievable given the political will and complementary geographic positions of the two countries.

Mirashrafi highlighted Iran’s strategic role in international transport corridors and Uzbekistan’s position along East–West land routes, calling the two countries natural partners. He also cited limited mutual awareness among private sectors as a key obstacle, while noting progress through recent visits, including tours of industrial and agricultural sites and participation in the Saveh pomegranate festival—an event that could pave the way for sister-city partnerships.

He acknowledged challenges in transport, finance, and customs procedures but noted that under existing trade agreements, 10 goods are exchanged tariff-free, with scope for expansion. “The private sector has consistently shown it can find creative solutions,” he said.

Comparing trade volumes, Mirashrafi said Iran trades about $1 billion with Afghanistan despite ongoing conflict, while trade with Uzbekistan remains at $500 million. “Given Uzbekistan’s vast potential and shared cultural and economic ties, this figure should be much higher,” he said.

In the final segment, Uzbek Ambassador Fariddin Nasriyev said bilateral trade, which stood at around $300 million in previous years, has now reached $500 million and should rise to $2 billion under agreements between the two presidents.

He pointed to improved connectivity, noting that weekly direct flights between Tehran and Tashkent have increased from one to four. He also referenced the Uzbek prime minister’s May visit to Iran with a 150-member business delegation, during which an agreement was signed to allow the tax- and duty-free exchange of 10 goods from each country, with the list to expand annually.

Nasriyev said transport challenges have been resolved, with trucks no longer paying the $400 fees previously required. However, banking transactions remain constrained due to Iran’s lack of access to the SWIFT system. Until this issue is resolved, he said, the two sides have agreed to pursue trade through barter arrangements.

The ambassador expressed Uzbekistan’s interest in expanding provincial-level cooperation, including proposed sister-city agreements between Arak and an Uzbek city, as well as between Saveh and another Uzbek municipality.

Inviting Iranian businesses to explore opportunities firsthand, Nasriyev highlighted Uzbekistan’s advantages: a sanctions-free economy, a central location in Central Asia with a regional population of around 70 million—37 million of whom live in Uzbekistan—and strong inflows of foreign investment, including more than $35 billion in agriculture this year.

He noted that Uzbekistan allows the duty-free export of 12,000 product categories to Europe, calling it an exceptional opportunity for Iranian manufacturers. Iranian goods, he added, enjoy competitive pricing in the Uzbek market, and participation in trade fairs could further boost their visibility. This year alone, more than 250 Iranian companies have begun operating in Uzbekistan.

“All Uzbek provinces have special economic zones,” Nasriyev said, adding that Iranian investors can benefit from tax exemptions and long-term land leases.

The ambassador’s remarks underscore Uzbekistan’s emergence as a key destination for Iran’s economic engagement—a large, growing, sanctions-free market with extensive export advantages and developing infrastructure. Observers say that with financial barriers eased and subnational ties strengthened, industrial and commercial cooperation between the two countries could expand significantly.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking in a meeting with Iranian businessmen in Iran’s Embassy in Tashkent, Atabak said the volume of exchanges between Iran and Uzbekistan has experienced a 58% growth in the current year.

He also reviewed the issues of the Iranian businessmen.

The recent efforts have led to an increase in trade interactions, he said, urging the removal of some obstacles, especially in the field of rail and road transportation, solving customs issues, and signing a preferential trade agreement with Uzbekistan to create a significant surge in the two countries’ relations.

A group of managers from large Iranian companies, lawmakers, Head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, Chairman of the Board of Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), and officials from the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade are accompanying Atabak in this trip.

Atabak is in Tashkent to negotiate with high-ranking Uzbek officials, including the prime minister and minister of Economy and finance and minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, on reaching new tariff agreements, removing customs obstacles, and facilitating trade relations.

The recent efforts have led to an increase in trade interactions, he said, urging the removal of some obstacles, especially in the field of rail and road transportation, solving customs issues, and signing a preferential trade agreement with Uzbekistan to create a significant surge in the two countries’ relations.

A group of managers from large Iranian companies, lawmakers, Head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, Chairman of the Board of Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), and officials from the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade are accompanying Atabak in this trip.

Atabak is in Tashkent to negotiate with high-ranking Uzbek officials, including the prime minister and minister of Economy and finance and minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, on reaching new tariff agreements, removing customs obstacles, and facilitating trade relations.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Team Melli Banovan had previously defeated Kyrgyzstan 3-0 and Tajikistan 3-0 in its opening matches.

Iran will play Uzbekistan in the final match on Sunday.

The competition was originally scheduled to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal, but was relocated to Tashkent.

The CAVA Women’s Volleyball Challenge Cup is an international volleyball competition for senior women’s national teams that are members of the Central Asian Volleyball Association, the sport’s regional governing body for Central and South Asia.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, the meeting aimed to advance transport and transit relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The two ministers addressed challenges in road transport—particularly issues concerning Iranian and Uzbek drivers—and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in this field.

During the session, both sides highlighted the growing trend of transit operations between the two countries and reaffirmed the commitment of their senior leadership to expand comprehensive relations, especially in the economic sector. They also reviewed the implementation of previous agreements within the framework of the transport cooperation roadmap and the resolutions of the 16th Joint Economic Commission.

Key topics included the continued mutual removal of the $400 road toll, the issuance of transport permits for cargo to and from third countries, and other technical matters. Necessary decisions were made on these issues.

It was also agreed that a technical meeting involving relevant officials from both countries will be held later this week in Tashkent to examine the discussed topics in greater detail.

During the session, both sides highlighted the growing trend of transit operations between the two countries and reaffirmed the commitment of their senior leadership to expand comprehensive relations, especially in the economic sector. They also reviewed the implementation of previous agreements within the framework of the transport cooperation roadmap and the resolutions of the 16th Joint Economic Commission.

Key topics included the continued mutual removal of the $400 road toll, the issuance of transport permits for cargo to and from third countries, and other technical matters. Necessary decisions were made on these issues.

It was also agreed that a technical meeting involving relevant officials from both countries will be held later this week in Tashkent to examine the discussed topics in greater detail.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Iranian Steel Producers Association, the organization hosted the president of the Uzbekistan Metallurgy Association along with a delegation that included Iran’s commercial attaché in Uzbekistan and representatives from the Trade Promotion Organization.

During the meeting, which led to the signing of the MoU, Bahram Sobhani, President of the Iranian Steel Producers Association, highlighted the capacities of Iran’s steel industry and emphasized the readiness of Iranian iron and steel producers, as well as related engineering companies, to meet the industrial and mining needs of regional countries, particularly Uzbekistan.

Gulbahor Taji Mirzayeva, President of the Uzbekistan Metallurgy Association, introduced the potential of Uzbekistan’s metal industries, including 17 member companies of the association. She described Uzbekistan’s steel sector as rapidly developing and called for the transfer of knowledge and expertise from Iranian steelmakers to Uzbekistan.

The agreement covers a wide range of economic, industrial, and educational areas, including long-term cooperation in raw material and product supply, experience-sharing, joint participation in industrial projects, planning and collaboration on specialized training in the iron and steel value chain through the Iranian Steel Academy, expanding industrial cooperation, and strengthening positions in regional and global steel markets.

The MoU also includes provisions for holding joint events such as conferences, exhibitions, and industrial forums to exchange knowledge and expertise; conducting joint studies on decarbonization and energy efficiency in ferrous metallurgy; cooperating in exports and imports of products and promoting shared logistics routes; as well as collaboration in providing and analyzing statistical data, market research, forecasts, and supply chain studies.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) César Irache Camacho led Spain with 38 points, while Iran’s Mohammad Amin Rahimi scored 20 points.

Poland and France will play in the final match later in the day.

The competition started on July 24 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and will finish today.

Iran Finishes in 4th Place in 2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U-19 World C’ship

TEHRAN (Iran News) César Irache Camacho led Spain with 38 points, while Iran’s Mohammad Amin Rahimi scored 20 points.

Poland and France will play in the final match later in the day.

The competition started on July 24 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and will finish today.

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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.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Highlighting the deep historical and cultural ties between Iran and Uzbekistan, Aripov emphasized that current global events necessitate greater economic collaboration. He noted that such forums are vital for informing both sides about investment capacities, creating new opportunities, and enhancing mutual understanding.

“In meetings with Iranian officials, we identified industrial cooperation and the activation of technology exchanges as key strategic goals,” Aripov stated. He stressed the crucial role of entrepreneurs and the private sector in both countries in achieving these objectives.

According to Aripov, trade between Iran and Uzbekistan has reached a relatively stable level, with bilateral exchange currently valued at $500 million annually. However, he acknowledged that this figure still falls short of its full potential. Notably, the number of joint Iranian-Uzbek factories in Uzbekistan has surpassed 210, signaling significant progress.

The Uzbek Prime Minister also pointed to his country’s growing economy, projecting that Uzbekistan’s GDP will reach $160 billion within the next five years. Last year alone, the country attracted $70 billion in foreign investment, reflecting a stable and secure investment climate.

He further highlighted Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms to bolster a free-market economy, including the introduction of tax incentives and other measures to boost production and attract foreign capital. In 2024, Uzbekistan exported over $2.5 billion in agricultural food products and holds free trade and preferential agreements with many countries—creating additional opportunities for economic cooperation.

“We assure Iranian economic actors that any capital brought into our industrial zones will be exempt from taxes and customs duties,” Aripov declared. “The government will provide all necessary infrastructure, and we will also guarantee the repatriation of investment profits.”

Meanwhile the Vice President of the Uzbekistan Chamber said that exchanging quality goods at competitive prices and establishing systematic trade relations between Iran and Uzbekistan are among the main objectives of the Uzbekistan Chamber.

Rasulov, speaking at the Iran-Uzbekistan Business Forum, added: The interest of Uzbek traders in conducting business with Iran is increasing. Given the incentives offered by the Uzbek government to attract foreign investments, Iranian traders’ interest in investing in Uzbekistan is also growing.

He stated that supplying chemical products, foodstuffs, and construction materials is a priority in trade with Iran. He added that the volume of bilateral trade between Iran and Uzbekistan has exceeded 497 million dollars, which still falls significantly short of the full potential of both countries. Therefore, measures should be taken to further increase the level of cooperation.

Rasulov said that 260 Iranian factories are operating in Uzbekistan, of which at least 160 are joint ventures. In addition, planning visits to specialized exhibitions and the exchange of updated trade delegations and commercial information on investment opportunities has contributed to advancing the two countries’ relations.

He noted that more than 100 Uzbek businesspeople visited Iran for Iran Expo 2025, stating that the Chambers of Commerce of both countries play a crucial role in organizing trade exhibitions and establishing cohesive relations between private sector traders from Iran and Uzbekistan. He emphasized that these efforts must be further strengthened.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the event, Samad Hassanzadeh, President of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, described the forum—attended by high-ranking officials and business leaders from both countries—as a pivotal step toward deepening bilateral relations. “Over the past year, we’ve seen serious, responsible, and close cooperation between both public and private sectors of Iran and Uzbekistan,” he said, adding that a new era of mutual partnership is underway.

Hassanzadeh emphasized the cultural affinity and longstanding friendship between the Iranian and Uzbek peoples, suggesting that visa-free travel for Iranians should be implemented soon to ease the movement of people and goods. He also highlighted the need for more accessible and affordable flight options between the two countries.

He revealed that the initial target for boosting bilateral trade is to double the current $500 million to $1 billion, expressing hope that this goal can be achieved by the end of the calendar year.

Highlighting the vast economic potential in both countries, Hassanzadeh called on policymakers to match the enthusiasm shown by business communities by creating necessary infrastructure. One major area of focus, he said, should be joint investments by the private sectors of both nations. “I urge entrepreneurs and businesspeople to form industrial committees to identify shared opportunities and invest in projects where we hold a comparative advantage,” he said. The Iranian Chamber of Commerce, he added, is ready to facilitate such efforts.

Touching on recent talks over a preferential trade agreement, Hassanzadeh voiced optimism that the agreement would soon be finalized. “For two countries committed to expanding ties, high or discriminatory tariffs are unacceptable. I believe many of these barriers will be resolved shortly,” he noted.

Hassanzadeh also underlined the need for smoother financial exchanges and the removal of trade restrictions, stressing the role of sustained engagement and private-sector collaboration in overcoming these challenges.

Despite international sanctions, Iran has made notable advances in fields such as machinery manufacturing, food processing, construction materials, and industrial equipment, which he said present “golden opportunities” for regional markets, including Uzbekistan.

He noted the synergy between Uzbekistan’s large-scale infrastructure projects—especially in railways, highways, and transport systems—and Iran’s strong capabilities in technical and engineering services. Strengthening land, rail, and air transport links is a mutual priority that requires focused effort from both governments.

Hassanzadeh encouraged Uzbek investors to participate in Iran’s North-South International Corridor and the development of the Makran coast, citing Iran’s strategic location at the crossroads of East-West and North-South trade routes. He also highlighted recent progress in transport cooperation and called for a joint committee of officials from both countries to advance transport and logistics infrastructure development.

He concluded by highlighting the importance of mutual trade and exhibition delegations, saying such exchanges, along with joint seminars and exhibitions, would pave the way for increased trade and greater familiarity with each country’s economic potential. “Uzbekistan is a key trading partner for Iran,” he said, expressing hope that the forum would yield tangible results in trade, industry, and joint investment initiatives.

Meanwhile in the event, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan declared that Iranian investors operating in Uzbekistan will be exempt from taxes and customs duties. This promise comes as the number of joint Iranian-Uzbek factories in the country surpasses 210.

During a business forum between Iran and Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov emphasized the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations, asserting that global developments have made it increasingly important for both sides to strengthen their economic cooperation.

“Events in today’s world call for stronger collaboration,” Aripov stated. “Organizing such business forums allows both countries to better understand each other’s investment capacities and opens up new avenues for cooperation.”

He highlighted that during meetings with Iranian officials, the two sides identified the expansion of industrial collaboration and the activation of technological exchanges as top priorities. He stressed the importance of private sector engagement in realizing these objectives.

Aripov noted that while trade between Iran and Uzbekistan has reached a relatively stable level of $500 million, this figure remains below its full potential. “Despite this, we are proud that more than 210 joint Iranian-Uzbek factories are now operating in Uzbekistan—a significant achievement,” he said.

The Prime Minister also shared ambitious economic goals for his country, revealing that Uzbekistan’s GDP is projected to reach $160 billion within the next five years. In 2024 alone, the country attracted $70 billion in foreign investment—a testament, he said, to Uzbekistan’s stable and secure investment environment.

Highlighting his government’s commitment to open markets and foreign investment, Aripov mentioned that Uzbekistan exported over $2.5 billion worth of agricultural products last year and has signed numerous free trade and preferential trade agreements worldwide.

Reaffirming his country’s support for Iranian investors, Aripov stated: “We assure Iranian businesspeople that if they invest in our industrial zones, they will be exempt from taxes and customs duties. The government will also provide necessary infrastructure and guarantee the repatriation of their investment profits.”

This announcement underscores the growing economic partnership between Iran and Uzbekistan and sets the stage for deeper integration between their private sectors.

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