Oman and Uzbekistan discuss expanding trade, joint manufacturing, investment, and logistics links while accelerating negotiations on a preferential trade agreement.
Oman and Uzbekistan are working to expand bilateral trade, develop joint industrial projects, and strengthen logistics links as both countries seek to turn identified economic opportunities into commercially viable partnerships. The discussions also focused on advancing a proposed preferential trade agreement between the two countries.
The discussions took place in Muscat between Anwar bin Hilal Al Jabri, Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade. The two sides reviewed measures to increase trade volumes, broaden the range of products exchanged, and facilitate market access for Omani and Uzbek businesses.
Also Read: The Impact of Trade Wars: Risks and Opportunities for Asian Manufacturers
Officials discussed connecting exporters with buyers and importers while addressing technical specifications, certification requirements, and customs procedures that could affect the movement of goods between the two markets. The proposed preferential trade agreement was also reviewed, with both sides considering ways to accelerate technical negotiations on eligible goods, tariffs, and rules of origin.
Investment cooperation was another key area of discussion. Oman and Uzbekistan examined the possibility of updating their agreement on the promotion and protection of mutual investments to strengthen the investment environment and expand opportunities for bilateral economic partnerships.
Industrial cooperation featured prominently in the talks, with both sides exploring joint manufacturing projects. Officials emphasized the need for direct engagement between companies, assessment of market demand, and evaluation of capital requirements to identify projects that are economically feasible and suitable for implementation.
The countries also discussed strengthening air and logistics connectivity. Oman’s ports could be used to develop shipping routes and facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries. Both sides also considered building on the direct air connection between Muscat and Tashkent to support trade, investment, and access to new markets.
Also Read: The Future of Aerospace Manufacturing: Key Trends to Watch
Opportunities for export-oriented manufacturing in Oman’s economic and free zones were also considered. The private sector may establish a business council and organize a business forum to showcase investment opportunities and connect companies with potential partners.
The two countries also reviewed preparations for the sixth session of the Oman-Uzbekistan Joint Intergovernmental Committee in Muscat. Both sides agreed on the importance of identifying priority projects and establishing follow-up mechanisms to move bilateral economic cooperation toward implementation and measurable outcomes.