Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In recent years, Uzbekistan has noticeably modernized the basis of bilateral relations with the leading countries of the world. In light of the transformation of the world political and economic system, our country seeks to strengthen friendly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation with developed states of neighboring regions.

In this context, deepening relations with the countries of the Middle East is traditionally one of the priority areas of the foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan. At the same time, Qatar is becoming one of the promising partners with significant economic, industrial and innovation potential in the region.

Both states have made significant progress in establishing closer contacts, developing legal frameworks and expanding areas of cooperation.

Thus, the historic visit of the Emir of Qatar to Samarkand in June of this year opened a new page in Uzbek-Qatari relations. At the negotiations between the Heads of State, an agreement was reached to raise cooperation to the level of a comprehensive partnership. The parties reached an agreement on the participation of leading Qatari companies in the implementation of investment projects with a total value of US$12 billion.

The state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Doha, which took place on 1-2 October, became a logical continuation of the intensive political dialogue and dynamic processes of intensifying bilateral multifaceted ties.

It is considered as a new starting point in the interaction between the two states. This is confirmed by the busy agenda of bilateral negotiations.

The leaders of Uzbekistan and Qatar confirmed their commitment to the goal of bringing interaction to a higher level of strategic partnership.

The positive attitude of the states demonstrates their readiness for a multiple increase in trade indicators, implementation of joint investment projects in the fields of traditional and green energy, petrochemicals, advanced metal processing, agriculture, tourism, etc.

The current dynamics of trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Qatar are not commensurate with the existing opportunities. In particular, in 2022, mutual trade turnover amounted to about US$5 million. In this regard, today it is important for our countries to intensify economic cooperation to realize the large untapped potential.

To effectively implement the agreements reached at the highest level, as well as to bring the entire range of interstate relations to a new development trajectory, the diplomatic missions of the two countries began their work in the capitals.

To strengthen business ties, it was proposed to organize a joint Intergovernmental Commission and Business Council. Their first meetings, as well as a business forum, are planned for January 2024 in Doha. An agreement was also reached to hold the Week of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan in the capital of Qatar. The readiness to fully support efforts aimed at enhancing cultural, educational and tourist exchanges was emphasized.

As a result of the negotiations, a number of documents covering different areas of cooperation were signed. Among them are the Agreement between governments on cooperation in the field of tourism and business events, the Agreement on the creation of a joint Business Council between chambers of commerce and industry, as well as memorandums of understanding and cooperation between the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan and the Qatar Investment Agency, the ministries of internal affairs, specialized departments and structures of social protection, anti-corruption, religious affairs, etc.

When discussing current issues on the global and regional agenda, special attention was paid to the Afghan issue. The importance of supporting the practical advancement of the Trans-Afghan Railway construction project was emphasized.

Tashkent and Doha are making active diplomatic efforts to normalize the situation in Afghanistan. The parties advocate for building a pragmatic policy towards this country, and also note the importance of supporting its economy and providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.

The President of Uzbekistan also took part in the opening ceremony of the World Exhibition “EXPO Doha – 2023” under the motto “Green Desert, Better Environment”. Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the exhibition of advanced technologies and achievements in the field of environmental protection, ecosystem development, and the introduction of “smart” agriculture.

During his stay in Qatar, the Head of our state met with the director of the Qatar Investment Agency B. Al Thani, and also held negotiations with the heads of such large Qatari investment and industrial companies as Al Mirqab Capital, Power International Holding and Nebraska Power. .

Thus, the Al Mirqab Capital holding plans to build a logistics center in Tashkent region, a hotel and congress complex in Bukhara, and Power International Holding plans to build a high-speed highway, business and hotel infrastructure, healthcare facilities in Uzbekistan, and Nebras Power plans to build a wind farm for 1 GW in Karakalpakstan and an energy storage system in Tashkent region.

In this regard, it should be emphasized that the construction sector is becoming a powerful “engine” of Qatar’s economic growth. The Qatari authorities are developing airport, port and logistics infrastructure, directing significant investment in these areas.

Its location in the center of the Persian Gulf region allows Qatar to enter adjacent markets from Africa to Asia. According to experts, within a radius of 3 thousand km from Doha there are 25 economies with a total GDP of US$6 trillion and 2 billion consumers.

Thus, interaction with Qatar can bring many benefits to Uzbekistan in various areas of the economy and social life. This helps expand export potential, as well as increase the competitiveness of Uzbek goods and services in the world market.

Tourism has also been identified as a potential growth point for the Qatari economy. Its contribution to GDP should increase to 5% by 2030 due to an increase in the total number of tourists to 7 million. Qatar’s experience in developing tourism will be in demand to achieve the future well-being of our people, as well as tangible practical results in this direction.

In a word, the implementation of promising joint projects with Qatar in various fields will give new impetus to Uzbekistan’s transition to technological transformation of the industrial sector and stimulation of export potential, and will also make a significant contribution to improving the well-being of the country’s population.

Maintaining active political dialogue at the highest level and mutual desire to strengthen trade and economic cooperation will have a positive impact on strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries.

This, in turn, helps to increase the growth rate of the economy of Uzbekistan with the attraction of high advanced technologies in its strategic sectors.

In general, the state visit of the Head of Uzbekistan to Qatar gave a new, richer color to bilateral cooperation and increased its current status. Interaction between Tashkent and Doha has moved to a more comprehensive and comprehensive level.

Sarvar Kamolov

Chief Researcher, 

ISMI under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan