Voronezh Region and Uzbekistan Expand Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Governor of Voronezh Region Alexander Gusev held a working meeting on Friday with a delegation from Uzbekistan led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Botirjon Asadov. The talks focused on deepening trade and economic partnership, with particular emphasis on interregional cooperation and investment projects.

Welcoming the delegation, the regional head noted that the visit could open a new chapter in bilateral relations. He recalled that representatives from Uzbekistan had previously visited the region in 2021 and 2023.

Gusev also shared impressions from his visit to Tashkent in spring 2024 for the Council of Regions of Russia and Uzbekistan. He highlighted the warm reception received by the Voronezh delegation in Bukhara Region and noted the positive development trends in Uzbekistan and its regions.

According to the governor, trade turnover between Voronezh Region and Uzbekistan increased 1.8 times over the past year, demonstrating significant potential for further cooperation. He expressed interest in expanding cooperative ties beyond traditional trade and developing joint investment projects.

Currently, 17 companies with Uzbek capital operate in Voronezh Region. Industrial and agricultural enterprises in the region maintain business relations with partners from Uzbekistan. Voronezh exports mainly consist of food products, raw materials, machinery and chemical industry goods, while Uzbekistan supplies textiles and agricultural products.

Ambassador Asadov noted that a strong foundation for cooperation had been laid by the presidents of the two countries. He thanked the regional authorities for the warm reception and stressed that relations between the states have strengthened significantly over the past eight years, reflected in growing trade turnover and expanding humanitarian ties.

Special attention during the meeting was given to cooperation in education. In particular, collaboration between Voronezh State Medical University and six профильных higher education institutions in Uzbekistan was highlighted. According to the ambassador, there is also considerable potential in industrial cooperation and agriculture.

The Uzbek delegation’s visit is scheduled to last several days. The program includes visits to industrial enterprises and universities in the region, as well as meetings with business representatives and members of the Uzbek diaspora.

Gusev reaffirmed the Voronezh regional government’s interest in further developing cooperation with Uzbekistan, including interaction in the manufacturing sector, education and cultural exchanges, which he said could strengthen modern bilateral ties.