HE Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Furqat Sidikov invited Qatari businessmen and investors to invest in his country which is replete with a plenty of opportunities in several sectors such as energy, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.

This came during a meeting hosted by the Qatar Chamber (QC) on Tuesday and attended by HE Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the State of Qatar Dr. Bakhromjon Aloev, QC board members and visiting Uzbek delegation.

HE Furqat Sidikov also said that Uzbekistan is situated in a distinguished location in Central Asia which placed as a vital gateway for more than 300 million consumers. He noted that his country is interested in developing economic and trading relations with Qatar, affirming that Uzbekistan Chamber is keen to strengthen cooperation with its Qatari counterpart.

Sidikov said that agriculture sector is one of the promising sectors in Uzbekistan, where 60% of its products are exported to Asian states and Russia, assuring that this sector would be attractive for Qatari investment, especially that Qatar is attaching the food security a special importance.

He underscored the importance of establishing a joint business council gathering both countries businessmen with the aim to ease communication and enable both party to get acquainted with the available investment opportunities, adding that Uzbekistan has issued many legislation in economy which reflected in its position as an attractive destination for investment.

On his part, QC First Vice Chairman Mohamed bin Twar Al Kuwari said that the State of Qatar and Uzbekistan enjoy distinct relations at all levels, indicating that it is the right time for both countries to underpin their economic ties to correspond with the strength of bilateral relations of the two friendly countries.

Al Kuwari also said that there are many opportunities for cooperation between both sides which encourages Qatari and Uzbek businessmen to establish alliances and partnerships that are of advantage for both economies.

"Qatari investors are eager to learn more about the investment opportunities available in Uzbekistan. Qatar Chamber highly supports and encourages the development of cooperation relations between the Qatari private sector and its Uzbek counterpart," he added.

Underlining the investment incentive offered by Qatar, Al Kuwari said that the State has succeeded in developing a sophisticated infrastructure and issued many legislations that strengthened its position as a global center for business and investment, pointing out that these incentives paved the way for more foreign investments in the country, in addition to the advantages provided by free zones that attract many international companies.

He also noted that Qatar Chamber welcomes the establishment of a Qatari-Uzbek business council, assuring that it will help in increasing mutual visits between representatives of private sector in both countries and exploring opportunities for cooperation between companies from both countries.

Dr. Mohamed bin Jawhar Al Mohamed said that Qatar and Uzbekistan enjoy great opportunities for cooperation, especially in light of the distinguished political relations between both countries, noting that this opens new prospects for developing trade relations.

Mohamed Al Obaidli emphasized the interest of Qatari business to learn more the opportunities available in Uzbekistan in food security and tourism, stressing the importance of investment laws that protect Qatari investments.