Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 20 June 2025, in Baku, the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, took part in a number of events aimed at expanding and strengthening bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The central event of the program was the 14th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. The meeting was co-chaired by Laziz Kudratov and the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, Mikayil Jabbarov. In his welcoming speech, the head of the Uzbek delegation noted the steady development of the strategic partnership between the two countries, emphasizing the role of the trusting relationship between the heads of state as a key factor in strengthening ties.

During the session, the sides discussed a broad range of cooperation areas, including trade, industrial cooperation, transport, agriculture, and processing of agricultural products. Special attention was paid to the participation of the Uzbek delegation in the Forum and Exhibition of Turkic States, where more than 50 domestic enterprises showcased products under the “Made in Uzbekistan” brand. Mutual trade has grown by 40% since the beginning of the year — a figure that underscores the high level of interaction.

The two sides positively assessed the implementation of joint projects — from residential and tourism construction to the launch of a logistics center, as well as cotton and dairy clusters. The Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company continues to operate actively, participating in the financing of 15 projects worth over US$360 million.

Following the meeting, a joint action plan to boost trade turnover was approved, the Industrial Cooperation Program for 2025–2026 was adopted, a schedule of reciprocal trade missions was agreed upon, and arrangements were reached on the establishment of trade houses and showrooms in Baku and Tashkent.

Plans were also made to establish a Business Council and to implement initiatives for the development of interregional transport corridors, as well as cooperation in sericulture, cotton growing, and dairy processing.

As part of the visit, Minister Kudratov also participated in the 3rd Forum of the Regions of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, which brought together more than 50 business representatives from both countries. The forum featured B2B meetings, including between regional leaders and representatives of major companies. Agreements were reached on the development of interregional partnerships.

The business agenda concluded with a series of bilateral meetings between the head of MIFT and the leadership of major Azerbaijani companies, including PASHA Holding, NEQSOL Holding, MATANAT-A, STP Global Cable, Atena Group, and Oliver Wyman.

Key topics included the implementation of joint initiatives in the construction sector, transport infrastructure, production of construction materials and cable products, transformation of state-owned enterprises, as well as cooperation in the agro-industrial complex and financial sector. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening partnerships under previously reached agreements and to advancing new investment projects.