The private sectors of Iran and Uzbekistan are not satisfied with bilateral trade between the two countries, according to Mohammad Reza Karbasi, the deputy for International Affairs of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA).
Karbasi made the remarks during a meeting where the board members of the newly formed Iran-Uzbekistan were elected.
The two countries formerly had a Joint Committee which was chaired by Mousa Aqaei.
Iran-Uzbekistan trade stood at $146 million in the first five months of 2021 posting a 39% growth in comparison to last year’s corresponding period, Karbasi said, however noting that the figure is far less than the existing capacities for promotion of trade between the two countries.
He expressed hope that bilateral trade between Iran and Uzbekistan will increase sharply within the next one year.
Referring to two agreements Iran Chamber of Commerce has recently signed with Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Exporters of Uzbekistan, Karbasi said that the joint chamber of commerce will help relations between the businesspersons from both countries.
He said that the two countries have good capacities for further cooperation on medicine and medical equipment, technical and engineering services, referring to Iran’s ability to meet the needs of Uzbekistan for constructional materials, steel and other metals.
Karbasi also said that Uzbekistan has a good capacity in cotton production which paves the way for cooperation on textile sector.
Touching upon the obstacles on the way of expansion of relations between Iran and Uzbekistan, he said that an existing agreement for preferential trade is not implemented between the two countries which requires Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce to negotiate with the country’s related authorities in this regard.
Karbasi also called for an increase of the number of flights between Iran and Uzbekistan to facilitate the travels of economic activists from one country to another.