Doha: HE Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade in the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudretov affirmed that the next five years will witness significant growth in the volume of trade and mutual investments between the State of Qatar and Uzbekistan, with Qatari investments moving from the stage of studying opportunities to active implementation in the energy, infrastructure, industry, and finance sectors.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency emphasized that Uzbekistan serves as a strategic gateway to the markets of Central Asia and beyond, which enhances the regional expansion opportunities for Qatari investors. The economic and investment relations between Qatar and Uzbekistan are witnessing steady development, supported by the strategic partnership agreement that Uzbekistan ratified in 2025. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries increased by more than 30% last year, while Uzbek exports to Qatar recorded growth exceeding 36%.
HE the Minister added that the greatest momentum in bilateral cooperation is concentrated in seven key sectors: transport and logistics infrastructure, energy, chemical industries, agriculture, education, and tourism. Additionally, promising opportunities in the pharmaceutical, mining, and financial sectors, including the possibility of Qatari banks entering the Uzbek market, are being explored.
Regarding joint projects, His Excellency noted the efforts to reach a preferential trade agreement between the two countries and the organization of the 'Made in Uzbekistan' exhibition in Doha this year. There is also a focus on developing projects in the mining, metal processing, building materials, and chemical industries sectors. He emphasized the opportunity for Qatari investments in power generation projects, oil and gas exploration and production, real estate, smart cities, and tourism infrastructure.
He further highlighted that the energy sector is a top priority for Qatari investors, along with the processing of vital minerals, manufacturing industries, and building materials. The services sector, witnessing remarkable growth in financial technology and artificial intelligence, also presents opportunities, as Uzbek services exports reached about $10 billion. These opportunities are supported by economic reforms and increasing institutional stability.
Concluding his statement to QNA, HE the Minister stressed that the private sector represents the main driver of bilateral economic relations. He pointed to the development of its capabilities in Uzbekistan to work with foreign investors and establish partnerships and joint projects. Additionally, he mentioned the activation of economic dialogue platforms in Tashkent and Doha, the adoption of digital mechanisms to monitor projects and risks, and the role of the Foreign Investors Council in solving challenges facing investors.