A delegation from Uzbekistan’s Andijan region, led by Deputy Governor Ilkhom Sabirov, has conducted a productive working visit to Irkutsk, Russia, aimed at expanding cooperation across economic, cultural, and investment sectors.
During the visit, the delegation held extended negotiations with Roman Kolesov, First Deputy Governor of Irkutsk region, joined by representatives from the regional government, the “My Business” Center, the Development Corporation, and members of the local business community collaborating with Uzbek partners, The Caspian Post informs per Uzbek media.
Kolesov emphasized Irkutsk’s commitment to strengthening long-term trade, humanitarian, and investment relations with Uzbekistan. He highlighted that exports to Uzbekistan surged by 56.1 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven primarily by a doubling of aluminum wire shipments and a 60 per cent rise in processed timber exports, contributing to a 53.8 per cent increase in overall trade turnover.
To further deepen cooperation, both sides are preparing to sign an interregional agreement covering trade, social development, science and technology, and cultural exchange - a move Kolesov said would "give new impetus to bilateral ties."
The Andijan delegation presented the region’s economic advantages, including its free economic zones, tax and customs incentives, and investment opportunities. Discussions also explored potential cooperation in agriculture, education, and tourism.
Both sides identified business missions and international exhibitions as valuable tools for fostering business ties. Seven such events have been held in the past two years, generating contracts worth over $119,000. The next business forum is set for December 2025 at Irkutsk’s “My Business” Center, where Uzbek and Russian entrepreneurs will meet again.
Tourism was another key focus, with the Russian side expressing interest in greater cooperation between tour operators following Uzbekistan’s successful showcase at the “Intourmarket-Baikal” forum in Irkutsk on September 24-25.
The visit culminated in the signing of several memoranda of understanding between the Andijan Hokimiyat and companies from Irkutsk. These included “Wild Siberia,” a plant-based product manufacturer and winner of the “Know Our Own” brand competition, as well as “Sibatr” and “Vashi Produkty,” which specialize in wholesale beverage distribution.
The Uzbek delegation also held talks with the Development Corporation of Irkutsk Region regarding the creation of a logistics hub for Uzbek goods. Corporation CEO Anastasia Oborotova said the project would diversify local supply chains and expand Andijan’s export reach across Eastern Siberia.
In addition, the delegation visited MedTechService LLC - producers of diabetic test strips for the “Jimeit Life” glucometer brand - and reached an agreement to localize production in Andijan. The final stop was at “Vid,” a local company producing school uniforms.
