**"Endeavoring to realize the full commercial potential of Iran and Uzbekistan."**

Official English Translation:

According to the Public Relations Office of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, the Head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, who accompanied the Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade on a visit to Tashkent as part of the objectives outlined in the Iran–Uzbekistan Cooperation Roadmap, met on the evening of Sunday, November 9 (18 Aban) with Iranian traders and businessmen residing in Uzbekistan at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. During the meeting, issues and challenges faced by Iranian traders and businessmen were discussed.

Seyed Mohammad Atabak, Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, in a meeting with Iranian traders and businessmen residing in Uzbekistan, referred to the strategic role and importance of Uzbekistan as a connecting hub in Central Asia and stated that this year, trade exchanges between Iran and Uzbekistan have grown by 58 percent.

The Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade and Head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran also noted the growing trade relations between the two countries, emphasizing that in order to further expand bilateral trade and achieve the full potential of Iran–Uzbekistan commerce, it is essential to address rail and road transportation barriers as well as customs-related challenges. He added that the Preferential Trade Agreement should be signed at the earliest opportunity.

According to Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi, reaching new tariff agreements, removing customs barriers, and facilitating trade interactions are among the key objectives of the visit to Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, Iranian traders active in various sectors such as engineering services and transportation expressed their readiness to expand trade cooperation with the Uzbek private sector and business community. They also highlighted the need to establish essential infrastructures, including banking guarantees, logistics, and customs facilities.

On the first day of the visit, the Deputy Minister and Head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, along with the Deputy Minister and Chairman of the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), visited the National Steel Company of Uzbekistan.