Trade and investment ties between Qatar and Uzbekistan are set to expand considerably over the next five years, according to Laziz Kudretov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade. Speaking in late June 2026, Kudretov highlighted that Qatari investments are poised to move beyond preliminary assessments into active development across several key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, industry, and finance.
Uzbekistan’s strategic location serves as a gateway to Central Asian markets and beyond, offering Qatari investors enhanced opportunities for regional expansion. The minister pointed to steady progress in economic and investment relations, supported by a strategic partnership agreement ratified by Uzbekistan in 2025. He noted that trade volumes between the two nations increased by more than 30 percent in the past year, with Uzbek exports to Qatar growing by over 36 percent during the same period.
Bilateral cooperation is primarily focused on seven sectors: transport and logistics infrastructure, energy, chemical industries, agriculture, education, tourism, and financial services. Additionally, promising avenues are being explored in pharmaceuticals, mining, and the possibility of Qatari banks entering the Uzbek market. Kudretov also referenced ongoing efforts to establish a preferential trade agreement between the countries.
In 2026, Uzbekistan organized a “Made in Uzbekistan” exhibition in Doha, showcasing opportunities in mining, metal processing, building materials, and chemical industries. The minister emphasized further investment potential in power generation projects, oil and gas exploration and production, real estate development, smart city initiatives, and tourism infrastructure.
The energy sector, in particular, remains a top priority for Qatari investors, alongside vital mineral processing, manufacturing industries, and the growing services sector. The latter has shown marked growth in fields such as financial technology and artificial intelligence, with Uzbek service exports reaching approximately $10 billion. Kudretov noted that these opportunities are underpinned by ongoing economic reforms and increasing institutional stability within Uzbekistan.
Kudretov underscored the pivotal role of the private sector as the main engine driving bilateral economic relations. Efforts are underway to strengthen private sector capabilities in Uzbekistan for partnering with foreign investors, developing joint ventures, and enhancing economic dialogue mechanisms between Tashkent and Doha. Digital tools are also being adopted to monitor project progress and manage associated risks, complemented by the work of the Foreign Investors Council in addressing challenges faced by investors.
Overall, the outlook for Qatar-Uzbekistan trade and investment cooperation is positive, with both sides engaged in strategic initiatives aimed at deepening economic ties and capitalizing on regional opportunities.