Uzbekistan, Bashkortostan Agree to Expand Business Ties
Uzbekistan and Russia’s Bashkortostan agreed to strengthen trade and economic cooperation during a business forum held in Ufa on 5 August 2026.
Uzbekistan and Bashkortostan have committed to broadening their trade and economic relationship, an agreement reached after a business forum convened in Ufa on August 5, 2026.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan reported that a memorandum of understanding was formalized, alongside the signing of commercial contracts and cooperation agreements by various business delegates.
The primary objective of the business forum was to foster greater collaboration between the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Over 100 Uzbek firms participated, representing diverse sectors such as light industry, food production, chemicals, automotive, furniture, construction, healthcare, and information and communication technologies.
Notable attendees at the forum included Odilkhon Rustamov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan; Muzaffarkhon Musaev, Deputy Chairman of the Association of Small Business; Alexander Sheldyaev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Bashkortostan and Minister of Industry, Energy and Innovation; heads of seven Bashkortostan ministries; and Artem Penzin, Director of the Alga Special Economic Zone.
Discussions highlighted that bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Russia reached nearly US$13 billion in 2025, with over 3,000 enterprises backed by Russian capital currently operating in Uzbekistan.
The forum concluded with several concrete agreements. Specifically, BashGlobalGroup LLC agreed to establish the Uzbekistan Trade House within the Eurasia wholesale distribution center, integrate Uzbek companies into the International Multifunctional Business Complex project, and facilitate the sale of non-food items via the Tolpar Technopark.
Bashkortostan companies received an invitation to set up manufacturing operations in a free economic zone, with a focus on supplying goods to the Afghan market.
A memorandum of understanding was formally signed by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and Bashkortostan, aiming to cultivate bilateral cooperation. Furthermore, following B2B discussions, business representatives finalized commercial contracts and cooperation agreements.