Prime Minister of Belarus Aleksandr Turchin spearheads the government delegation on the official visit to Uzbekistan. The Belarusian head of government landed in the Tashkent-Humo International Airport, which became operational not long ago. Aleksandr Turchin is the first foreign prime minister to land in the new airport of Uzbekistan’s capital city.
Before that in Samarkand the Belarusian prime minister met with Uzbekistan Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov in an informal setting. During the meeting the parties discussed topical matters on the bilateral agenda. Aleksandr Turchin was also made familiar with the operation of Samarkand Automobile Plant (SamAuto).
Belarus’ and Uzbekistan’s heads of government arrived in Tashkent together. Outside the aircraft they were welcomed by Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov. The fourth session of the Belarus-Uzbekistan business council and a Belarusian-Uzbek business forum are expected to take place in the city. The itinerary of the two-day visit also includes negotiations with Uzbekistan Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and trips to several manufacturing sites. Matters of stepping up bilateral cooperation will be discussed at a meeting with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
According to the chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a large Belarusian delegation has arrived in Tashkent and includes representatives of 42 enterprises. «They represent our mechanical engineering industry, pharmaceutics and cosmetics, food. Practically all the sectors of the economy are present here today. Uzbek partners demonstrate great interest,» Mikhail Myatlikov said.
There are plans to discuss interaction with partners and with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan at the session of the Belarus-Uzbekistan business council. «A large Belarusian-Uzbek business forum will take place as well. So far over 250 Uzbekistan companies have signed up for this event. B2B negotiations will be held,» Mikhail Myatlikov noted. «Meetings are taking place and commercial contracts are being signed. They provide for delivering Belarusian products to Uzbekistan. As many as ten documents worth a total of $25 million have already been signed. Negotiations will continue tomorrow and we hope that a number of other contracts will be signed as well.»
Among the new avenues for promoting cooperation the head of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry mentioned joint production of furniture in Uzbekistan. «Uzbekistan is truly experiencing a construction boom. Last year this branch of the economy grew by more than 15%. This is why our sawn timber products the civil engineering industry uses such as OSB boards, plywood are in demand. As they say, our materials fly off the shelves,» Mikhail Myatlikov pointed out.
