As part of efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and open new channels for trade and investment between Syria and Uzbekistan, a high-level Syrian economic delegation visited Uzbekistan. The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and the Ministry of Economy and Industry.
The Syrian delegation was headed by Alaa al-Ali, president of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce (FSCC), and Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Muhammad Houria. In Tashkent, they met with Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s minister of investment, industry and trade.
During the meeting, the Syrian side outlined recent economic reforms and legislative measures aimed at improving the investment climate. They also highlighted Syria’s position as a logistical hub and gateway to Gulf and broader Arab markets, pointing to opportunities for sustainable industrial and commercial partnerships.
Benefiting From the Uzbek Experience
The delegation also visited the city of Bukhara, where members toured the “Mergantex” cotton and textile cluster to review its investment environment, infrastructure and production capacity. They expressed interest in benefiting from Uzbekistan’s experience in developing integrated textile value chains. In addition, the delegation visited Bukhara Agrocluster DZZ LLC, a company operating in the food and agricultural industries sector, and toured its production facilities.
During the visit, two key agreements were signed to strengthen bilateral economic ties. In Tashkent, the FSCC and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing trade and economic cooperation. The agreement provides for the exchange of economic information, the organization of joint business events, support for participation in exhibitions and closer collaboration in commercial arbitration.
Additionally, the Tartous Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a twinning agreement with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bukhara. The accord focuses on facilitating partnerships between businesses, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and developing value chains in priority sectors.
Syrian-Uzbek Business Forum
As part of the visit, a Syrian-Uzbek business forum was held in Bukhara, bringing together over 200 business leaders, company representatives and officials from both countries to explore trade and investment opportunities.
Both sides underscored the importance of regional partnerships in promoting economic integration, accelerating investment projects and facilitating trade and knowledge transfer. Bukhara Region Governor Botir Komilovich Zaripov and Deputy Minister Houria expressed support for advancing bilateral economic relations and expanding cooperation in trade and investment.
Heads of participating Syrian chambers of commerce highlighted the diversity of Syria’s economy, presenting opportunities in industry, agriculture and trade, including manufacturing, food industries, export and logistics. They reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating cooperation and building direct links between the business communities of both countries.
