Doha: HE Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov highlighted the strong relations between Uzbekistan and Qatar, emphasizing the eagerness to reinforce these ties across multiple sectors. In a meeting with representatives of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), attended by HE QBA Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani, he advocated for increasing Qatari-Uzbek business forums to showcase investment opportunities and facilitate investment exchanges. According to Qatar News Agency, the Uzbek Minister reviewed the welcoming investment climate in Uzbekistan, noting significant economic developments and the influx of major companies investing in various sectors, with direct investments reaching approximately USD 22.4 billion in 2023. He outlined Uzbekistan's 2030 vision, aiming to attract about USD 250 billion in foreign direct investments, supported by an impressive economic growth rate of 7 percent. The Minister emphasized the importance of leveraging the y outhful, skilled workforce and highlighted the incentives for foreign investors, such as tax exemptions in free zones and access to a free market of 300 million people in neighboring countries. HE QBA Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani expressed that the high-level visits are crucial for establishing new economic and trade cooperation phases. He noted the increased coordination between Doha and Tashkent to encourage private sector investment projects, boosting trade volume and supporting bilateral relations. His Excellency encouraged Qatari businesspersons to explore Uzbekistan's investment climate, particularly in agriculture, mining, energy, and other sectors, and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Qatari and Uzbek companies to enhance trade exchange, which currently falls short of expectations.