Uzbekistan, South Africa discuss trade and investment ties at first forum

Uzbekistan and South Africa have explored ways to deepen trade, investment and industrial cooperation at the inaugural Uzbekistan–South Africa Business Forum in Johannesburg.

The gathering brought together officials from government agencies, business associations and private firms from both countries. More than 60 companies and organizations took part, with the talks centered on building direct business links and finding opportunities for joint projects.

Delegates examined cooperation in a range of sectors, including mining, agricultural processing, energy, automotive manufacturing, textiles, information technology and tourism. During the forum, these fields were identified as promising areas for strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.

The creation of joint production facilities and value chains was also on the agenda. Participants looked at how cooperation between Uzbek and South African companies could help broaden access to markets in Central Asia and Africa.

On the sidelines of the forum, bilateral meetings were held between representatives of the two countries’ business communities. Those discussions covered possible product deliveries, logistics and customs infrastructure, investment attraction and steps to support exporters aiming to enter the Uzbek and South African markets.

Logistics was one of the key topics as both sides considered ways to ease trade and improve conditions for companies working between the two markets. The talks also touched on customs infrastructure and mechanisms that could help goods move more smoothly.

The forum additionally gave companies a chance to discuss investment projects and establish direct contact with potential partners. Export support was considered in terms of helping businesses reach each country’s market.

After the discussions, participants agreed to keep working on practical cooperation and to expand direct contacts between the Uzbek and South African business communities. They also agreed to arrange reciprocal business missions to further strengthen engagement between companies.

Participants backed making the Uzbekistan–South Africa Business Forum a regular event as a venue for discussing trade and investment initiatives and developing business ties between the two countries.