Andijan Delegation Visits Irkutsk: Memorandums Signed and New Cooperation Projects Discussed

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A delegation from Andijan region, led by Deputy Hokim Ilkhom Sabirov, visited Irkutsk on an official working trip, the “Dunyo” news agency reports.

During the visit, regional representatives held extended negotiations with Roman Kolesov, First Deputy Governor of Irkutsk Region. The meeting included officials from the regional government, the “My Business” Center, the Development Corporation, and local business community members working with Uzbek partners.

Roman Kolesov emphasized that Irkutsk Region is interested in further developing long-term trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian, and investment cooperation with Uzbekistan.

He noted that exports from the region to Uzbekistan in the first half of 2025 grew by 56.1% compared to the same period last year, primarily due to a doubling of aluminum wire shipments and a 60% increase in exports of processed timber. Overall, the foreign trade turnover between the parties rose by 53.8%.

In the near future, an agreement is planned to be signed between the government of Irkutsk Region and the Hokimiyat of Andijan Region on cooperation in trade-economic, social, scientific-technical, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. According to Kolesov, this document will give new impetus to bilateral relations.

The Andijan side presented information about free economic zones established in the region, existing tax and customs benefits, and conditions for attracting foreign investment. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in agriculture, education, and tourism.

Business missions and international exhibitions were highlighted as key tools for developing partnership. Over the past two years, seven such events have been held, resulting in contracts worth more than US$119,000. In December 2025, new meetings between entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan and Irkutsk Region will take place at the “My Business” Center in Irkutsk.

The Russian side expressed interest in expanding cooperation between tour operators of the two countries and noted the successful presentation of Uzbekistan’s tourism potential, held for the first time during the “Intourmarket-Baikal” international exhibition-forum on September 24–25 in Irkutsk.

Following the negotiations, memorandums of understanding were signed between representatives of Irkutsk companies and the Hokimiyat of Andijan Region. Among them are the plant-based products manufacturer “Wild Siberia,” a prizewinner in the “Know Our Own” growing brands competition, as well as the companies “Sibatr” and “Vashi Produkty,” specializing in wholesale beverage trade.

The Uzbek delegation also held talks with the management of JSC “Development Corporation of Irkutsk Region” regarding a project to build a distribution logistics complex for Uzbek goods. Anastasia Oborotova, CEO of the corporation, emphasized that creating such a hub serves the interests of both sides: for Irkutsk Region, it diversifies supplies and fills the market, while for Andijan, it increases export opportunities in Eastern Siberia.

Additionally, the delegation visited LLC “MedTechService,” which produces diabetic test strips for the “Jimeit Life” glucometers. The parties agreed to localize the production of this product in Andijan Region as soon as possible.

The visit concluded with the Uzbek delegation visiting the sewing company “Vid,” which manufactures school uniforms.