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Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Anwar bin Hilal al Jabri received Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov in Muscat on September 30 for talks aimed at expanding economic cooperation. The discussions focused on increasing bilateral trade volumes, broadening the range of exchanged products and converting opportunities into implementable projects, according to the Oman Observer. Officials examined ways to facilitate market access for Omani and Uzbek companies by connecting exporters directly with buyers and importers while addressing technical specifications, certification requirements and customs procedures that influence trade flows.
A key element of the meeting centered on accelerating technical negotiations for a proposed preferential trade agreement covering eligible goods, tariffs and rules of origin, the Omani newspaper reported. The ministers also reviewed updates to the existing agreement on the promotion and protection of mutual investments to improve the environment for investors and expand the scope of bilateral economic partnership. Both sides agreed on the need to select priority projects, create clear follow-up mechanisms and orient cooperation toward concrete implementation and measurable outcomes.
Industrial collaboration formed a major focus as the two countries sought to launch joint manufacturing ventures supported by direct engagement between enterprises from each side. They evaluated market demand, conditions and required investment levels to determine which proposed projects in sectors such as petrochemicals, agriculture and food processing offered commercial viability. The discussions continue momentum from earlier engagements that have placed nearly 20 joint projects valued at approximately $3.2 billion in development across multiple sectors, according to reports from UzDaily.uz.
Logistics and transport connectivity received detailed attention with both parties exploring expanded use of Oman’s ports in Salalah, Sohar and Duqm to develop shipping routes and multimodal corridors for Uzbek cargo. The meeting emphasized building on the direct air service between Muscat and Tashkent launched in July 2026 to drive trade, investment and tourism growth. Officials further considered prospects for establishing export-oriented production facilities within Oman’s economic and free zones to leverage their regulatory incentives.
The session included participation by Oman’s Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry Eng Ghalib bin Said al Maamari together with Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Oman Abdusalam Khatamov and other senior representatives from both sides. Uzbekistan’s overall foreign trade turnover climbed to $57.4 billion during the first eight months of 2026, a 7.6 percent increase from the prior year, according to data from the National Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan. Oman has positioned itself as an important gateway for Central Asian economies seeking access to Gulf, African and South Asian markets through its port infrastructure.
Earlier meetings, including Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s June 2026 discussion with Omani Economy Minister Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri, highlighted successful projects implemented through the Uzbek-Omani Investment Company and the start of direct flights between the capitals. The two governments have scheduled the next session of their joint intergovernmental commission for later this year in Muscat to maintain progress across priority areas. Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade has presented portfolios of opportunities in energy, mining, textiles and logistics during successive rounds of high-level contacts with Omani counterparts.
