Uzbekistan, Iraq Deepen Economic Ties in Samarkand

Uzbekistan and Iraq have taken a new step toward deeper economic cooperation, as the Uzbek-Iraqi Investment and Business Forum convened in the historic city of Samarkand, drawing more than 400 entrepreneurs and business representatives from both countries.

The forum brought together senior officials from key ministries and agencies, along with representatives of chambers of commerce, industry bodies, and sectoral associations, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The event was organized in line with directives from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, issued during an extraordinary session of the Samarkand Regional Council of People’s Deputies, aimed at expanding access to foreign markets, boosting exports, and strengthening industrial cooperation with partner states.

Discussions highlighted the growing shift from initial contacts to a more structured and practical dialogue between Uzbek and Iraqi business communities. Participants confirmed their readiness to move toward the implementation of concrete trade, economic, and investment projects.

Special focus was placed on strengthening business-to-business (B2B) ties, ensuring regular interaction between entrepreneurs, organizing reciprocal business missions, and jointly developing cooperative initiatives. As a concrete outcome, B2B meetings were held during the forum, resulting in the signing of several agreements and contracts designed to support joint projects and expand bilateral trade and economic relations.