Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the invitation of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadir Japarov, is on a state visit to this country on 26-27 January. Before the high-level meetings, a business forum "Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" was held with the participation of representatives of the business circles of the two countries. As part of the delegation of ministries and departments of our country, the leadership of the Uzcharmsanoat Association also took part in it.

Within the framework of the forum, negotiations were held with Kyrgyz companies and investors, the purpose of which was to develop a strategy for further expanding cooperation, deepening investment cooperation and diversifying trade relations.

It should be noted that in 2022, finished leather, shoes, fur, leather products and other accessories worth US$35.2 million were exported from our country to the Kyrgyz Republic. As part of the business forum, agreements were reached on the implementation of another 23 new export contracts and joint investment projects worth US$5.5 million. In 2023, the export line is expected to reach US$52 million.

In addition, in 2023-2024, investment projects worth US$5.5 million are planned to be implemented in Kyrgyzstan. We are talking about opening production facilities for processing leather, manufacturing orthopedic shoes, and manufacturing equipment for modern automated slaughterhouses. Also in this country, 8 trading houses will be opened for the sale of leather, footwear and fur products produced by our domestic entrepreneurs.

As part of the business forum held in Bishkek, the leadership of the Association provided the Kyrgyz side with detailed information on the current level of development of the leather, footwear and fur industries in Uzbekistan, plans for the future, investment and export projects that are proposed to be implemented jointly with Kyrgyz entrepreneurs.

In a dialogue with foreign investors, information was disclosed in detail about the conditions created in our country for doing business, tax and customs benefits provided by the state, and the advantages of organizing enterprises in the territories of small industrial zones.

Specific projects and investment cases were discussed during the session of b2b negotiations.

In particular, at a meeting with the head of the OrtoMaster, the issue of opening an enterprise for the production of orthopedic shoes in Uzbekistan was agreed. The Kyrgyz company highly appreciated the favorable business environment created in our country, and in this context, the high interest in joint work on new projects was emphasized.

The business agenda of the current state visit is rich. Thus, within its framework, the delegation of the Association visits local enterprises and retail outlets, holds meetings with industry experts. The main goal is to unleash the untapped potential of bilateral cooperation.