Senior officials from Iran and Uzbekistan convened in Tehran for the 16th session of the two countries’ Joint Economic Committee, aiming to expand bilateral ties and boost trade to $2 billion annually.Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Mohammad Atabak opened the meeting by acknowledging that the current trade volume between the two countries falls short of their true potential.He called for a “fundamental transformation” and proposed drafting a practical roadmap to achieve the $2.0 billion trade target.Atabak emphasized the need to enhance transport and transit infrastructure, noting Iran’s strategic location as a key corridor connecting Uzbekistan to international waters.He also stressed the importance of improving banking ties, establishing direct flights, reducing customs tariffs, and developing tools to support economic relations.Beyond trade, the committee also discussed cooperation in tourism, science, culture, and healthcare.Atabak pointed to the countries’ deep cultural ties and expressed Iran’s readiness to play a greater role in tourism, stating that the meeting serves as a platform for comprehensive collaboration.He voiced hope that operational planning would lead to a “significant leap” in bilateral relations.In response, Uzbekistan’s minister of industry highlighted the favorable conditions for expanding trade between Tehran and Tashkent.He said the two sides had signed a list of preferential trade goods, calling it a “practical step” toward boosting commercial exchange.He also announced the official opening of Uzbekistan’s Trade House in Tehran, which he said would facilitate trade. The number of joint Iranian-Uzbek companies has grown 2.5 times in the past five years, reaching 261. These companies are active in sectors such as construction, petrochemicals, food, agriculture, and building materials.The Uzbek minister concluded by reaffirming his country’s commitment to broadening economic and trade cooperation with Iran across multiple sectors.On April 23, Iranian industry, mining and trade minister said that the cooperation between the private sectors of Iran and Uzbekistan will continue at an accelerated pace.Mohammad Atabak made the remarks in a meeting, at the place of the ministry in Tehran, with an Uzbek trade delegation led by the head of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan (CCI).During the meeting, the minister emphasized that the perspectives of the private sectors and entrepreneurs of both countries are being reviewed in expert working groups. (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: Tehran Times