What happened
The Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, visited Kuwait on December 13-15 and participated in a meeting of the intergovernmental commission. He held talks with the heads of key ministries and state-owned companies, including the Minister of Oil and the Head of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Tarek al-Rumi, and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Khalifa al-Askar.
New areas of cooperation were discussed: the supply of Kuwaiti aviation fuel to Uzbek air carriers, the expansion of fruit and vegetable exports, mutual recognition of standards, and the accreditation of laboratories.
Investments, the establishment of the “Gulf Countries Union — Central Asia” Development Fund, as well as projects in green energy, agriculture, the digital economy, and AI were discussed with Finance Minister Sabih al-Muhayzim.
Kudratov announced the launch of a pilot route for the supply of goods from Samarkand to Kuwait, as well as plans to open a trade representative office of Uzbekistan in Kuwait. Following the visit, a package of bilateral documents was signed.
Why is this important
Strengthening ties with the Gulf states opens Uzbekistan access to long-term investments and large energy markets. The development of logistics and mutual recognition of standards reduces barriers to the export of Uzbek products. Cooperation in energy, digitalization, and food security aligns with the country’s strategic priorities and creates new growth points for businesses. Uzbekistan’s participation in regional initiatives, including the potential fund of the Gulf and Central Asia, strengthens economic integration and expands foreign markets.
Numbers and facts
- The negotiations were attended by the heads of key ministries of Kuwait: oil, trade and industry, finance, electric power, and water resources.
- The pilot delivery of goods from Samarkand to Kuwait took 15 days; an alternative route through the Iranian port of Khorremshehr could shorten the delivery time to 7-8 days.
- The Uzbekistan Trade Representative will begin working in Kuwait for the first time, which should simplify the entry of Uzbek companies into the local market.
- Within the framework of the visit, a business forum and a series of separate meetings with companies from e-commerce, Islamic finance, construction, and medicine were held.
Context
Uzbekistan is increasing cooperation with the Gulf states, striving to diversify trade and economic ties and attract investments to priority sectors. Energy, logistics, agriculture, and the digital economy have been identified as key growth areas. Regular contacts at the government level and the establishment of specialized institutions, such as trade representative offices, create a sustainable infrastructure for long-term partnerships.
