Dubai, 14 March 2019: The 3rd session of the Joint Economic Committee between the UAE and Uzbekistan was held recently in Tashkent, the Uzbek capital. The Committee was chaired by H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, representing the UAE Government, and H.E. Ganiev Elyor Majidovich - Deputy Prime-Minister of Uzbekistan

As part of the Committee's agenda, both countries agreed to enhance economic, trade and technical cooperation based on a number of policies and programs, including a range of priority sectors of shared interests. Most notably, the UAE and Uzbekistan agreed to increase trade exchange volume and investments in renewable energy, agriculture, food production, textile, infrastructure and tourism sectors, as well as cooperation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), civil aviation, tourism, manufacturing, financial sector and Halal industry.

The meeting was attended by H.E Mohammed Hareb Al Mehairbi, UAE Ambassador to Uzbekistan. The UAE delegation included H.E Eng. Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Economy; H.E.Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development Affairs; H.E. Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Insurance Authority Director General; H.E.Abdullah Al Maeeni, Director General of the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA); H.E Gaith Al Gaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai; and representatives of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Dubai Chamber, Investment Corporation of Dubai ICD, Mubadala, Masdar, Majid Al Futtaim Group.

H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori said during his speech at the main session of the committees meeting that the strong bilateral relations between the UAE and Uzbekistan are reinforced by cultural and historic ties and Islamic affiliation. He pointed out that the economic aspect is an integral part of bilateral relations. He added that Central Asia is a major focus area with regard to UAE's international economic cooperation, and Uzbekistan is a major political, economic and cultural center in this region and hence the UAE is keen to develop economic cooperation in areas of shared interest.