Fergana and Iraq Eye Oil, Textiles, and Sister-Region Ties

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Fergana region is pursuing a multi-sector economic partnership with Iraq spanning oil and gas, textiles, agriculture, and joint manufacturing, following high-level talks at the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum that also put a formal sister-region mechanism on the diplomatic table.

Governor Khayrillo Bozorov met with Iraqi Minister of Trade Mustafa Nazar Jumaa, with Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Iraq Ayubkhon Yunusov also present — a configuration that elevated the conversation from regional outreach to state-level economic diplomacy.

A Broad Sectoral Pitch

Fergana's delegation laid out proposals spanning four distinct sectors: oil and gas, textiles, industry, and agriculture. The breadth of the offer reflects Fergana's economic profile as one of Uzbekistan's most industrially diversified regions, with an established textile manufacturing base and proximity to energy infrastructure. The two sides acknowledged significant untapped potential for expanded cooperation in both agriculture and industry.

Sister-Region Framework and Trade House in Mazar-i-Sharif

Beyond sectoral deals, the parties discussed launching a sister-region mechanism between Fergana and Iraqi regions, to be formalized through the signing of corresponding agreements — a framework that would institutionalize the relationship and create a standing channel for trade and cultural exchange. Educational and cultural ties were also flagged as areas for development alongside economic cooperation.

Notably, the meeting also addressed the initiative to establish a Fergana Trade House in Mazar-i-Sharif — a proposal that, if realized, would serve as a commercial hub bridging Fergana's export offer with markets across northern Afghanistan and potentially onward to Iraq and the broader Middle East. The Iraqi side expressed support for the initiative and signaled readiness to facilitate bilateral economic development.

Business Delegations and Joint Production

Both sides agreed to organize a Fergana business delegation visit to Iraq to present the region's export and investment potential directly to Iraqi counterparts. Discussions also touched on the possibility of jointly organizing production of specific goods on Iraqi territory — a step that would take the relationship beyond trade into co-manufacturing.

Ambassador Yunusov's presence underscored that the Tashkent forum served as a venue not merely for regional networking but for advancing a structured bilateral agenda with a sovereign partner. Both sides confirmed their interest in intensifying cooperation through regular mutual delegation visits, with the agreements reached described as a potential foundation for transitioning to a more concrete, practical phase of inter-regional engagement.