Doha: Qatar Chamber engaged in discussions on Thursday with the Agency for the Development of Light Industry under the Cabinet of the Republic of Uzbekistan, focusing on economic and trade relations between Qatar and Uzbekistan. The meeting also explored investment opportunities, the business climate in both countries, and incentives available to investors.

According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Mohamed bin Jawhar Al Mohamed, Board Member of Qatar Chamber, emphasized the importance of the meeting in strengthening collaboration between the Qatari and Uzbek private sectors while identifying partnership opportunities. He remarked on Uzbekistan's notable economic growth, although bilateral trade remains underwhelming, signifying the necessity for enhanced private-sector cooperation.

Dr. Al Mohamed highlighted that light industries hold significant promise for cooperation, with potential partnerships spanning manufacturing, production, and technology. He also underscored Qatar's favorable investment environment, characterized by advanced infrastructure, modern economic and logistics zones, and a strategic location that provides access to regional markets.

Oybek Khodjaev, Director of the Uzbek Agency for the Development of Light Industry, stated that the delegation includes 14 leading Uzbek companies specializing in textiles. He highlighted that light industries contribute approximately 10 percent to Uzbekistan's economy, with around 10,000 companies active in the sector and exports reaching 87 countries.

Khodjaev also mentioned Uzbekistan's current focus on expanding into African and Gulf markets, expressing the Agency's willingness to promote investment opportunities available in Qatar among Uzbek businesses.

Additionally, HE Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Qatar, Dr. Ashraf Khodjaev, proposed establishing a textile and fabric manufacturing plant in Qatar through a Qatari-Uzbek partnership. This initiative would leverage Uzbek expertise and technology alongside Qatar's favorable investment environment, incentives, and raw materials. Dr. Khodjaev noted that such collaboration could position Qatar as a regional and global hub for textile and fabric production.