Qatar Chamber explores industrial, investment ties with Uzbekistan

On a recent visit to Qatar, a business delegation from Uzbekistan explored potential industrial and investment ties with the Gulf country. The delegation, led by Oybek Khodjaev, director of the Agency for the Development of Light Industry under the Uzbek Cabinet, met with Qatar Chamber board member Dr Mohamed bin Jawhar al-Mohamed and Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Qatar, Dr Ashraf Khodjaev.

During their discussions, the delegation touched upon various aspects of bilateral relations, including economic cooperation, investment opportunities, and the business environment in both nations. Dr al-Mohamed emphasized the significance of the visit in fostering cooperation between Qatar's and Uzbekistan's private sectors, as well as exploring partnership opportunities.

He highlighted that Uzbekistan has been experiencing robust economic growth, yet its bilateral trade remains lower than anticipated, underscoring the need to strengthen private-sector collaboration.

Khodjaev pointed out that light industries present a promising avenue for cooperation, with potential partnerships in manufacturing, production, technology, and other fields. Qatar's investment environment, advanced infrastructure, modern economic and logistics zones, and strategic location provide access to regional markets, making it an attractive destination for Uzbek companies.

The Uzbek delegation, comprising 14 prominent textile companies, shared that light industries constitute around 10% of Uzbekistan's economy, with approximately 10,000 enterprises operating in the sector and exports reaching 87 countries. Uzbekistan is currently focused on expanding into African and Gulf markets, and the Agency for the Development of Light Industry is eager to promote investment opportunities available in Qatar to the Uzbek business community.

Ambassador Khodjaev proposed establishing a textile and fabric manufacturing plant in Qatar through a Qatari-Uzbek partnership, leveraging Uzbek expertise and technology alongside Qatar's investment-friendly environment, incentives, and access to raw materials. He suggested that such cooperation could position Qatar as a regional and global hub for textile and fabric production. Dr al-Mohamed welcomed the proposal and stressed the importance of preparing a feasibility study for the project.