Uzbekistan and Egypt Discuss Preferential Trade Agreement

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and Egypt are in negotiations over a preferential trade agreement aimed at further increasing bilateral trade, Uzbek Ambassador to Cairo Mansurbek Kilichev told Egyptian news agencies MENA and Al-Youm as-Sabi, reported by the Dunyо news agency.

The diplomat noted that Uzbekistan highly values Egypt’s consistent and responsible role in promoting stability in the Middle East. According to him, Cairo’s diplomatic efforts to reach ceasefire agreements, ensure humanitarian aid delivery, and prevent further escalation make a significant contribution to regional stability and the protection of civilians.

Ambassador Kilichev emphasized that relations between Uzbekistan and Egypt entered a new phase following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Cairo in 2023. Since then, high-level political dialogue has actively developed, and bilateral cooperation has gradually taken on a strategic character.

He noted that in 2025 alone, Uzbek representatives held more than 30 meetings with Egyptian ministries and agencies. The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, healthcare, education, culture, and tourism.

Bilateral trade continued to grow and exceeded US$47 million in 2025.

The ambassador highlighted significant potential for expanded cooperation in transportation and logistics, industry, pharmaceuticals, agrotechnology, food security, renewable energy, and the textile sector. In this context, the two sides are discussing a preferential trade agreement that could create additional opportunities for economic ties and increase trade turnover between the countries.