Uzbekistan-Malaysia trade relations enter a mew stage

Uzbekistan and Malaysia have agreed to develop a preferential trade agreement to increase trade turnover. This was discussed today, February 5, at the Perdana Putra government complex during talks between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, in a narrow format and with the participation of official delegations.

At the beginning of the conversation, the Head of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister of Malaysia for the warm welcome and congratulated him on the high results of the successfully implemented "Madani" state strategy.

It was noted that special attention is paid to issues of practical cooperation in the trade, economic, and investment spheres. To increase trade turnover, it was agreed to develop a preferential trade agreement, hold mutual industrial exhibitions, and adopt an Industrial Cooperation Program.

As is known, the Malaysian government actively supports Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The leaders agreed to declare 2025-2026 a period of innovative development of the Uzbek-Malaysian partnership.

“Priority areas of a new model of economic cooperation were identified. These include petrochemicals and chemistry, electronics and semiconductor industries, innovative industries, smart agriculture, green energy, and pilgrimage tourism,” the press service of the President said.

It was reported that to support cooperation projects, a special economic zone is being created in the Tashkent region under the management of a leading Malaysian company.

Issues of further expanding and strengthening friendly and partnership relations between Uzbekistan and Malaysia were also considered. It was noted that the historic visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Uzbekistan in May last year gave a significant impetus to the development of multifaceted relations between the two countries.

It was noted that political dialogue and interparliamentary relations have become more active. The volume of mutual trade, the number of joint ventures, and airflights are increasing. Last year, the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission was held effectively, the Business Council was established, and several large business forums were organized.

On the eve of the visit, a meeting of think tanks, presentations of the tourism potential and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, and a forum of rectors of leading higher educational institutions were held.

To develop cooperation and effectively coordinate the implementation of high-level agreements, it was decided to establish a platform for strategic dialogue among foreign ministers.

“The importance of continuing mutual support within the framework of the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international structures was noted. The heads of state stressed the importance of continuing active cultural and humanitarian exchanges. This year, cultural weeks will be held in Uzbekistan and Malaysia,” the report says.

The leaders also exchanged views on topical issues of regional cooperation. The importance of joining efforts in the fight against terrorism, radicalism, and Islamophobia was noted. At the end of the negotiations, it was decided to prepare a "roadmap" for the timely and high-quality implementation of the agreements reached.

Finally, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, invited the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan.

We would like to remind you that the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, arrived in Malaysia on an official visit yesterday, on the evening of February 4. At the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Head of State was met by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Malaysian Parliament, Johari bin Abdul, Minister of Education Zambri Abdulkadir, and other officials. The President met with the Speaker of the Malaysian Parliament at the airport. Today, February 5, an official welcoming ceremony for the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was held at the Perdana Putra government complex in Kuala Lumpur.