Qatar Chamber hosted yesterday a business delegation representing the Agency for the Development of Light Industry under the Cabinet of the Republic of Uzbekistan, headed by Oybek Khodjaev, director of the agency’s project office.
The delegation was received by Qatar Chamber board member Dr Mohamed bin Jawhar al-Mohamed, in the presence of Dr Ashraf Khodjaev, ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Qatar.
Discussions touched on economic and trade relations between the two nations, investment opportunities, and the business environment in both markets, as well as incentives and facilities available to foreign investors.
Speaking at the meeting, al-Mohamed stressed the visit’s importance in boosting cooperation between the Qatari and Uzbek private sectors and exploring partnership opportunities. He noted that Uzbekistan is witnessing significant economic growth, while bilateral trade remains below expectations, highlighting the need to enhance private-sector cooperation.
He also pointed out that light industries represent a promising area for cooperation, with opportunities for partnerships in manufacturing, production, technology and other fields. Furthermore, he highlighted Qatar’s investment environment, advanced infrastructure, modern economic and logistics zones, and strategic location providing access to regional markets.
Khodjaev said the delegation comprises 14 leading Uzbek companies specialised in textiles. He noted that light industries account for around 10% of Uzbekistan’s economy, with approximately 10,000 companies operating in the sector, while exports reach 87 countries.
He added that Uzbekistan is currently focusing on expanding into African and Gulf markets and expressed the agency’s readiness to promote investment opportunities available in Qatar among the Uzbek business community.
Ambassador Khodjaev also presented a proposal to establish a textile and fabric manufacturing plant in Qatar through a Qatari-Uzbek partnership, combining Uzbek expertise and technology with Qatar’s investment environment, incentives, and available raw materials. He noted that such cooperation could help position Qatar as a regional and global hub for textile and fabric production.
Al-Mohamed welcomed the proposal and stressed the importance of preparing a feasibility study for the project.
