MUSCAT: Oman and Uzbekistan have discussed accelerating work on a proposed preferential trade agreement and developing joint industrial and logistics projects as the two countries seek a more results-driven economic partnership.
Anwar bin Hilal al Jabri, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, held talks in Muscat with Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade.
The discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, increasing the range of products exchanged and converting identified opportunities into commercially viable projects.
The two sides considered measures to make it easier for Omani and Uzbek products to enter each other’s markets, including connecting exporters with buyers and importers.
They also reviewed issues involving technical specifications, certification requirements and customs procedures that could affect trade flows.
The proposed preferential trade agreement was among the main subjects discussed. Officials considered ways to accelerate technical negotiations covering eligible goods, tariffs and rules of origin.
The two countries also discussed updating their agreement on the promotion and protection of investments to improve investor confidence and broaden the scope of bilateral economic cooperation.
Industrial cooperation focused on identifying joint manufacturing projects supported by direct engagement between companies in the two countries.
Officials stressed the need to assess demand, market conditions and capital requirements to determine which proposed projects were commercially feasible.
The talks also covered stronger air and logistics links, including the use of Omani ports to develop shipping routes and facilitate the movement of goods.
The two countries are seeking to build on the direct air connection between Muscat and Tashkent to support trade, investment and market access.
They also considered opportunities to establish export-oriented manufacturing operations in Oman’s economic and free zones.
Private-sector organisations could establish a business council and hold a business forum to present specific investment opportunities and connect companies with prospective partners.
Preparations for the sixth session of the Oman-Uzbekistan Joint Intergovernmental Committee in Muscat were also reviewed.
Both sides agreed on the need to identify priority projects, establish clear follow-up mechanisms and move bilateral cooperation towards implementation and measurable results.
The meeting was attended by Eng Ghalib bin Said al Maamari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry; Abdusalam Khatamov, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Oman; and officials from both countries. — ONA
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