Uzbekistan and South Africa will expand trade and economic cooperation

Uzbekistan and South Africa intend to deepen trade and economic ties. Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov and his South African counterpart, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parkes Tau, held a videoconference to discuss ways to expand cooperation in trade, economics, investment, and industry, according to the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

A key issue during the talks was organizing a business mission for Uzbek companies to South Africa. In the fall of 2026, approximately 50 Uzbek enterprises plan to visit Johannesburg, where they will participate in targeted B2B meetings with representatives of the South African business community.

The parties also discussed the potential for joint projects in priority sectors. Particular attention was paid to the establishment of an Intergovernmental Commission, which is intended to serve as a tool for further developing bilateral cooperation.

During the dialogue, the preparation of agreements on trade and investment protection was discussed. Furthermore, the parties considered the possibility of initiating work on a Preferential Trade Agreement.

Following the videoconference, Uzbekistan and South Africa reached an agreement to continue developing joint initiatives and developing a portfolio of promising projects.