Uzbekistan hosted a business forum with Iran in Tashkent on September 19 in a bid to boost bilateral trade between the two neighbours, Uz Daily reported.

The event brought together over 200 business representatives from both countries to discuss trade and investment opportunities.

The event, organised with support from Uzbekistan's Foreign Ministry, the Uzbek Embassy in Tehran and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was led on the Iranian side by Samad Hasanzadeh, President of Iran's Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture.

Davron Vakhabov, Chairman of Uzbekistan's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the forum's importance in strengthening economic ties. He noted significant growth in bilateral trade, stating: "Exports of chemical products from Uzbekistan to Iran reached $12.8mn, increasing 1.7 times compared to the previous period."

Vakhabov also pointed out that "imports of plastics from Iran to Uzbekistan grew 1.4 times, amounting to $112mn."

The forum focused on Uzbekistan's investment potential in various sectors, including industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and logistics.

Participants engaged in B2B meetings and discussed specific projects. The Iranian delegation is expected to meet with Uzbek ministry officials and visit free economic zones.

The visit will conclude with a joint business forum in Khiva on September 20 and part of Tehran's push to increase trade with neighbouring countries.

Earlier on September 19, Iran announced it was officially launching its new shopping centre in the Armenian capital Yerevan, which would host several Iranian FMCG and industrial brands. 

Iran launched its first freight train to China on July 21 using a new railway route through Central Asia. The Iranian train will pass through the neighbouring countries of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on its way to China.