Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On October 12, the 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Georgia was held in Tsinandali. The meeting was co-chaired by Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Mariam Kvrivishvili, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.

During the discussions, the parties noted that Uzbek-Georgian relations had reached a qualitatively new level following the first state visit to Georgia in 23 years by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in July this year. The transition to a strategic partnership has provided additional momentum to economic cooperation, while the Commission's key task is to ensure the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level.

Bilateral trade was one of the central topics of the meeting. In 2025, trade turnover amounted to approximately $270 million. The participants emphasized the need to make fuller use of the existing free trade regime, diversify the range of traded goods and establish direct contacts between manufacturers and retail chains.

To achieve the $1 billion trade target set by the leaders of the two countries, the parties agreed to prepare a joint Action Programme outlining specific product categories, targets and implementation timelines. A specialized working group will oversee its development and regularly assess progress. Mutual industrial exhibitions and business missions will serve as additional instruments for promoting products.

The expansion of trade is expected to be supported by investment and industrial cooperation. During the meeting, the parties reviewed the progress of joint initiatives in industry, construction, agriculture, energy and the financial sector. Currently, 116 enterprises with Georgian capital operate in Uzbekistan, while 144 companies with Uzbek capital are registered in Georgia.

The experience gained provides a foundation for deeper industrial cooperation. In particular, the parties discussed opportunities to combine Uzbekistan's industrial capacities with Georgian technologies and expertise in design, certification and product promotion. This approach is being considered in the pharmaceutical, light and food industries, including with a focus on European markets.

Transport and logistics occupied a prominent place on the agenda. The parties highlighted Georgia's role as an important link in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, providing Uzbekistan with access to Black Sea ports and European markets. Priority areas include the modernization of port and warehousing infrastructure, improvement of transit conditions and enhancement of transport competitiveness.

One of the key initiatives will be the establishment of an Uzbek logistics center at the Port of Poti. Work has already entered the practical stage: the relevant agreement has been signed, and the first pilot shipment of Uzbek products to Europe has been completed. In the longer term, the development of this route is expected to increase cargo flows through Georgia, which could potentially reach 3 million tonnes annually by 2030.

Alongside economic matters, the parties discussed prospects for developing joint tourist routes, expanding direct air connections and implementing initiatives in hotel and wellness infrastructure.

Strengthening interregional ties was also identified as an important area of cooperation. The parties agreed to prepare a schedule of reciprocal delegation visits and explore the possibility of holding the first Uzbekistan–Georgia Forum of Regions in 2027. The forum will provide a platform for establishing business contacts and identifying new opportunities for local manufacturers and investors.

Following the meeting, further steps were outlined to implement the planned activities. The parties agreed to hold the 12th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in February 2027 in Tashkent Region, with the participation of representatives of the business communities of both countries.