Vast Scope to Enhance India-Uzbekistan Trade Ties

Aug 23, 2017

World Trade Centre organized an Uzbekistan Joint Business Forum along with All India Association of Industries on August 23, 2017 in New Delhi. Mr. Abdulaziz Kh. KAMILOV, Hon’ble Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Uzbekistan said, “Uzbekistan is earnestly working to liberalize systems and norms and removing hurdles faced by Indian businessmen. We are giving high importance to transport and logistics infrastructure to strengthen bilateral ties. This is a long felt demand of Indian Industry. Both sides are also working in the areas of goods, services, health and education sectors”.

Mr. Kamilov further added that, measures are being taken to liberalize visa regime for business and tourism purposes and is considering to commence direct flights from Mumbai to Uzbekistan.

Mr. Elyor GANIEV, Minister of Foreign Trade of Republic of Uzbekistan said that the bilateral trade between the countries stood at USD 155.76 million in 2016-17 and is projected to rise manifold in the next few years. He further added that the deepening of trade and economic ties between the two countries are on positive track and the setting up of trading house will further strengthen the growing trade relations between India and Uzbekistan.

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai and Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan in Mumbai said that there is need to accord Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Indian businesses as also strive for reduction of import duty on leather, textile and other commodities as well as rationalize and simplify procedures for registration and certification of business.

Mr. Kalantri, further added that the foreign exchange control and various custom procedures are hampering trade between India and Uzbekistan. As both countries are aiming to enhance trade to USD 1 billion in the next couple of years, it is imperative to resolve issues that are impeding trade and industry on fast track. Also, there is dire need to improve transport, logistics infrastructure and visa simplification as well as starting of direct flights from Mumbai which is economic and commercial capital of India, to Uzbekistan.

H. E. Mr. Vinod Kumar, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Uzbekistan and H.E. Mr. Farhad Arziev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India also graced the occasion. Besides Uzbek delegation members, ministers, senior government officials and diplomats from other countries were also present on this occasion.

In Photo (L-R): Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai and Honorary Consul, Consulate of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Mumbai, Mr. Elyor M. Ganiev, Minister of Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Abdulaziz Kh. Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Farhad Arziev, Ambassador, Embassy of Uzbekistan in India and H.E. Mr. Vinod Kumar, Ambassador, Embassy of India in Uzbekistan.