Tashkent: Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade Mohammad Atabak has portrayed Uzbekistan as a crucial link for Iran to Central Asia. Speaking at a meeting with Iranian businessmen at Iran’s Embassy in Tashkent, Atabak emphasized the 58% growth in trade exchanges between Iran and Uzbekistan this year.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Atabak reviewed challenges faced by Iranian businessmen and highlighted recent efforts that have bolstered trade interactions. He called for the removal of obstacles in rail and road transportation, resolution of customs issues, and the signing of a preferential trade agreement with Uzbekistan to further enhance bilateral relations.

A delegation comprising managers from major Iranian companies, lawmakers, the Head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, the Chairman of the Board of Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), and officials from the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade are accompanying Atabak.

During his visit to Tashkent, Atabak is set to engage with high-ranking Uzbek officials, including the Prime Minister, the Minister of Economy and Finance, and the Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade. The discussions aim to establish new tariff agreements, remove customs barriers, and facilitate smoother trade relations.