Uzbekistan is planning to purchase aviation fuel from Kuwait as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov paid a working visit to Kuwait from December 13 to 15 to participate in a meeting of the intergovernmental commission, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.
During the visit, he also held discussions with representatives of the Kuwaiti government, business community, and financial institutions.
The meetings were attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Oil and Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Tareq Sulaiman Al-Roumi, as well as Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel. The parties reviewed prospects for cooperation in the oil and gas and petrochemical sectors, along with logistics and trade development.
A key topic of discussion was the potential supply of aviation fuel from Kuwait to Uzbek air carriers. The sides also addressed the expansion of exports of Uzbek fruits and vegetables and agreed to work toward mutual recognition of standards and the accreditation of laboratories for certification purposes.
Subaih Abdulaziz Abdul Mohsen Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Acting Minister of Finance, and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, met with Kudratov to discuss deepening investment and trade cooperation. The establishment of a development fund titled “Gulf Countries - Central Asia Union” was also considered.
Al-Mukhaizeem pointed to opportunities for partnership in green energy, agriculture, and food security, and emphasized the importance of cooperation in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, science, and education.
According to The Times Kuwait, Kudratov expressed interest in expanding cooperation in petrochemicals and construction. He announced that a trade representative of Uzbekistan will begin working in Kuwait to support business contacts and facilitate market access for companies from both countries.
Kudratov also revealed plans to launch pilot shipments of goods from Samarkand to Kuwait via a route taking 15 days. He noted that an alternative route through Iranian ports on the Caspian Sea could reduce delivery times to seven or eight days.
In addition, the minister participated in the Uzbek-Kuwaiti Business Forum and held meetings with companies operating in e-commerce, Islamic finance, construction, and healthcare. Several bilateral documents were signed as a result of the visit.
