Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The international forum “Ferghana — Center of Business and Investment” was held in Uchkuprik district, bringing together over 200 business representatives from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and China.

Participants included members of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, commercial banks, deputy hokims (regional leaders) of cities and districts in Ferghana Region, as well as local entrepreneurs.

The forum followed the trilateral summit of the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan held on March 31 in Khujand, where priority directions for regional cooperation were defined. The Ferghana forum served as a practical step toward implementing the agreements, aimed at strengthening ties between the border regions.

At the opening, deputy hokims Nuriddin Mamazhonov (Ferghana Region), Zufar Ismoilzoda (Sogd Region), and Iliya Tashev (authorized representative of the Kyrgyz government for Osh Region) emphasized the importance of such platforms for building mutual trust, business partnerships, and expanding economic links between the countries.

The forum was organized with support from the administrations of Ferghana, Sogd, and Osh Regions. Participants received detailed information on the investment potential of Ferghana Region, including opportunities in free economic zones and small industrial zones.

The program featured a video presentation about the region and an exhibition of products made in Uchkuprik district. Delegates also visited enterprises involved in transport, logistics, trade, textile and knitwear industries, as well as the Boboshbek complex.

A highlight was the visit to the Kokand free economic zone, showcasing conditions for foreign investors, including tax and customs incentives, project portfolios, product types, employment levels, and export potential.

Key topics at the forum included expanding international cooperation, increasing export volumes, and attracting foreign investment. B2B meetings resulted in over 30 trade and production cooperation agreements.

A major outcome was signing cooperation agreements between Ferghana and Osh Regions, and between Uchkuprik district and Sogd Region. The parties expressed intent to hold similar events annually on a rotating basis among the three border regions.