Iran and Uzbekistan take new steps in exhibition cooperation

Exhibition News – In order to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand economic interactions, a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan, consisting of the country’s consul and officials from the Uzbekistan Trade Development Organization , met and discussed with Sadif Beykzadeh , CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran International Exhibition Joint Stock Company. This specialized meeting, which was held with the aim of examining cooperation opportunities in the field of international exhibitions, is considered an important step towards strengthening economic relations between the two countries.

Major themes of the discussions

According to the information website of the Iran International Exhibitions Joint Stock Company, the parties focused on two key issues in this meeting:
1.  Holding a dedicated Uzbekistan exhibition in Iran : with the aim of introducing Uzbekistan’s industrial, agricultural and cultural capacities to the Iranian and regional markets.
2.  Active participation in specialized international exhibitions : Cooperation in joint events to strengthen the two countries’ commercial presence in global markets.

Emphasis on exhibition interactions as the driving force of trade

During the meeting, the representatives of the two countries emphasized the unique role of international exhibitions in the development of economic and trade relations.  Referring to the cultural and economic commonalities between Iran and Uzbekistan, Bekzadeh  called for accelerating the implementation of operational programs such as the exchange of national pavilions and supporting the presence of small and medium-sized companies in the exhibitions of the two countries. On the other hand, the Uzbek delegation, welcoming these proposals, proposed holding joint training courses in the field of pavilion construction and exhibition management as a solution to transfer Iranian experiences in this field.

Background of cooperation between Iran and Uzbekistan

Iran and Uzbekistan have expanded their cooperation in recent years with increased trade exchanges (topping $500 million by 2023) and agreements in the field of rail transport and transit. Specialized exhibitions, as a bridge between the private and public sectors, can pave the way for the realization of the two countries’ long-term goals of increasing the volume of exchanges to $1 billion.

Future outlook

This meeting can be considered the beginning of a new chapter in exhibition cooperation between Tehran and Tashkent. Planning to hold the first specialized exhibition of Uzbekistan in Tehran by the end of this year, as well as the participation of Iranian companies in international exhibitions in Uzbekistan, are among the short-term measures that the parties are seeking to implement.

This diplomatic-commercial event not only helps strengthen Iran’s position as an exhibition hub in West Asia, but also opens new horizons for the entry of Iranian products and technologies into the 35 million-strong Central Asian market.