Uzbekistan and Egypt discuss preferential trade agreement to boost commerce

The development was confirmed by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Egypt, Mansurbek Qilichev, in an interview with Egyptian news agencies MENA and Al-Youm as-Sabi, according to the Dunyo Information Agency.

Qilichev noted that Uzbekistan highly values Egypt’s consistent and responsible role in strengthening stability in the Middle East.

According to the ambassador, Cairo’s diplomatic efforts to achieve ceasefire agreements, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and prevent further escalation contribute significantly to regional stability and the protection of civilians.

He also emphasized that bilateral relations entered a new phase following the 2023 visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Cairo. Since then, high-level political dialogue has intensified, while cooperation between the two countries has increasingly taken on a strategic character.

According to the ambassador, representatives of Uzbekistan held more than 30 meetings with Egyptian ministries and government agencies in 2025.

These discussions covered a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, healthcare, education, culture and tourism.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has also continued to grow. By the end of 2025, total trade turnover exceeded $47 million.

Qilichev highlighted considerable potential for further cooperation in several sectors, including:

• Transport and logistics
• Industry and manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical production
• Agricultural technologies
• Food security
• Renewable energy
• Textile manufacturing

Negotiations on a preferential trade agreement are currently underway and are expected to facilitate further growth in trade and economic ties between Uzbekistan and Egypt.