QNA
Doha
Davron Vakhabov, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Uzbekistan, emphasized the significant opportunity presented by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s visit to Uzbekistan to forge trade partnerships between Qatar and Uzbekistan. He viewed this visit as a significant step towards initiating investment projects that would benefit both countries.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Vakhabov highlighted the close relationship between the leadership of both countries, culminating in HH the Amir’s visit to Uzbekistan. He believed that this visit would serve as a catalyst and strong motivation for the chambers of commerce and industry in Uzbekistan and Qatar to take concrete actions towards establishing robust trade partnerships that reflect the capabilities of both nations.
Vakhabov underlined that HH the Amir’s visit to Uzbekistan would undoubtedly encourage businesspeople from both countries to engage in practical and effective dialogues to establish commercial projects. Although the chambers of commerce and industry in Uzbekistan and Qatar have maintained a relationship since 2010, no tangible steps have been taken to activate this connection. The Chairman expressed optimism that during HH the Amir’s visit, substantial discussions would take place to activate trade relations between businesspeople from both countries. These talks would encompass various fields of cooperation between the Uzbek and Qatari chambers, with a particular focus on agriculture, energy, industry, technology, and other mutually beneficial areas.
Uzbekistan, Vakhabov emphasized, is open to business and trade, with its business community keen on forging partnerships with Qatari counterparts, especially in agriculture. The Chairman of the CCI of Uzbekistan also saw HH the Amir’s visit as an opportunity for businesspeople from both countries to convene and discuss the development of trade channels between Uzbekistan and Qatar, while acquainting Qatari entrepreneurs with the government’s support for investors and entrepreneurs in Tashkent. Vakhabov highlighted the range of facilities offered by Uzbekistan to foreign investors, such as tax exemptions, water and electricity provisions, land grants, import and export facilitation, and other governmental incentives designed to attract investments and businesspeople.
Vakhabov shared that the CCI of Uzbekistan aims to capitalize on HH the Amir’s visit by organizing a consultation session between Qatari and Uzbek businesspeople. The initial focus of this session would be exploring mutual trade opportunities and identifying common areas of business. Subsequently, intensive discussions would take place to establish a strategic trade partnership.
The Chairman stressed that the potential for collaboration between the two sides is highly promising, particularly considering the global market openness and the enriched trade and investment opportunities they provide.
Referring to the cooperation between the CCI of Uzbekistan and its Qatari counterpart, Vakhabov mentioned the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Doha in November 2010. He expressed hope for the expansion of Uzbekistan’s export of local products in the near future. Vakhabov proposed increasing the export of fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, and food products to Qatar, including the establishment of necessary legal frameworks involving certification and licensing authorities.
Concluding his remarks to QNA, Vakhabov acknowledged Qatar’s extensive experience in oil refining, petrochemicals, and chemical industries. He suggested establishing joint ventures with the participation of Qatari companies’ capital, particularly in the field of oil and gas processing.
