Laziz Kudratov: Uzbek-Iraqi Economic Cooperation Holds Great Potential

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 14 January 2026, Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, participated in the Uzbek-Iraqi Investment and Business Forum held in Tashkent. The event marked the first major platform of its kind, bringing together business communities from both countries.

More than 300 entrepreneurs and representatives of relevant organizations from Uzbekistan and Iraq attended the forum. The Iraqi delegation included high-ranking officials, among them Atir Dawood Al-Ghurairi, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Iraq, as well as leaders of the National Investment Commission and the Iraqi Economic Council. Uzbekistan was represented by Davron Vakhabov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

This forum was the second business forum in the history of Uzbek-Iraqi economic cooperation. The first was held in December 2025 in Baghdad, with the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan represented by Deputy Minister Shokhrukh Gulamov.

The consistent organization of such events demonstrates the systematic nature of the dialogue between the business communities of both countries and their shared commitment to moving from establishing contacts to the practical implementation of joint trade, economic, and investment projects.

Speaking at the forum, Laziz Kudratov highlighted the significant potential of Uzbek-Iraqi cooperation and strong business interest in expanding direct commercial ties. Priority sectors identified included pharmaceuticals, construction materials production, agriculture and processing, electrical and automotive industries, food and furniture sectors, as well as industrial cooperation and the establishment of joint ventures.

The discussions also focused on expanding mutual trade and diversifying the range of goods exchanged.

Both sides emphasized the promising prospects for supplying pharmaceuticals and medical products, construction materials, electrical and cable products, household appliances, agricultural and food products, including fruits, vegetables, and processed goods.

High potential for collaboration was also noted in textiles, finished light-industry products, furniture, automotive components, and industrial equipment, which are in demand in both markets.

The forum included a ceremony for signing memoranda of understanding and commercial agreements, followed by B2B meetings where entrepreneurs discussed specific projects, import-export deliveries, and formats for long-term partnerships.

The Uzbek-Iraqi Business Forum confirmed the mutual interest of both sides in practical cooperation and represented an important step toward strengthening trade and economic relations, investment collaboration, and industrial cooperation between Uzbekistan and Iraq.