BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 7. Uzbekistan and Russia's Samara region have agreed to deepen trade and investment cooperation following a business forum that brought together government officials and more than 100 companies from both sides.
This was reflected in the statement by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.
The forum, titled "Further Expanding Cooperation Between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Samara Region," was held in Samara and was attended by representatives of government agencies, chambers of commerce, business associations, and companies operating in the automotive, machinery, chemical, textile, food processing, construction, transport and logistics, information technology, and tourism sectors.
The discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, strengthening industrial cooperation, attracting investment, and increasing exports.
Speaking at the forum, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan Odilkhon Rustamov highlighted the growing economic partnership between Uzbekistan and Russia.
"By the end of 2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Russia had approached $13 billion. More than 3,000 enterprises with Russian capital operate in Uzbekistan, while the country has established over 40 special economic zones," Rustamov said.
As part of the event, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and the Samara region signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at promoting business ties and facilitating joint projects.
Uzbek officials also invited companies from the Samara region to utilize the opportunities offered by Uzbekistan's free economic zone serving the Afghan market, presenting it as a platform for expanding regional trade and logistics operations.
The sides also agreed to organize a visit by a business delegation from the Samara region to Uzbekistan in September to explore additional investment opportunities and strengthen commercial partnerships.
The forum concluded with business-to-business (B2B) meetings, resulting in the signing of a number of commercial contracts and cooperation agreements, reflecting continued efforts by Uzbekistan and Russia's regions to expand practical economic collaboration.
