Nadezhda Lazarevich, head of the state-owned conglomerate Bellegprom, has said that Belarus is ramping up economic ties with Uzbekistan, focusing on boosting exports of light industry products and strengthening industrial cooperation.

Speaking to reporters during a government delegation visit to Uzbekistan, Lazarevich highlighted ongoing and planned export deals, The Caspian Post reports via Belarusian media.

“We are primarily focused on exports. Today, contracts will be signed for Vitebsk Carpets and Milavitsa, and we are also arranging shipments of fabrics from Mogotex and the Orsha Linen Factory. We have long-standing relationships with Uzbekistan and established buyers,” she said.

Expanding Industrial Cooperation

Belarusian enterprises already operate production facilities in Uzbekistan. “Yesterday, we visited one of the factories and observed the clothing assembly lines. Uzbekistan is a strategic partner - we purchase raw materials for textile production here. About one in four T-shirts made in Belarus uses Uzbek cotton,” Lazarevich explained.

She added that Belarus is exploring wool processing in Uzbekistan, noting abundant raw materials but limited local processing. A memorandum on the leather industry is also set to be signed, aiming to establish new supply chains and partnerships.

Business Council Meeting and Strategic Engagement

The delegation, led by Prime Minister Alexander Turchin, is attending the fourth session of the Uzbek-Belarusian Business Council in Tashkent. The event brought together over 50 Belarusian enterprises spanning sectors such as machinery, electrical engineering, light and food industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, forestry, wood processing, and construction.

From the Uzbek side, representatives from more than 200 companies across all regions are participating. The forum is expected to result in multiple commercial contracts and cooperation agreements, marking a significant step in expanding bilateral trade and industrial ties.