Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov announced on Sunday that Iranian investors operating in Uzbekistan will be exempt from taxes and customs duties, as he highlighted the presence of over 210 joint Iranian-Uzbek factories currently operating in the country.Speaking at the Iran-Uzbekistan Business Forum held in Tehran, Aripov emphasized the importance of closer economic cooperation between the two nations, citing strong cultural and historical ties and the evolving global landscape as key drivers for deeper engagement.He said forums like this help both sides identify investment opportunities and expand areas of cooperation, adding that entrepreneurship and private sector collaboration are vital to advancing shared industrial and technological goals.Although trade between Iran and Uzbekistan has reached a relatively stable level, Aripov noted that the current $500 million annual trade volume does not reflect the full potential of bilateral ties. He projected that Uzbekistan’s GDP will grow to $160 billion within five years and pointed to the $70 billion in foreign investment attracted last year as evidence of a secure investment climate.Aripov underscored the government's commitment to promoting a free-market economy, enhancing production incentives, and expanding foreign trade.He said Uzbekistan exported over $2.5 billion in agricultural food products last year and has preferential or free trade agreements with many countries, offering significant opportunities for Iranian businesses.“We assure Iranian economic actors that if they invest in our industrial zones, they will be exempt from taxes and customs duties. The government will also provide necessary infrastructure and guarantee the repatriation of profits,” he said. (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: Tehran Times