Federation of Indian Exports Organizations in Uzbekistan

A high powered business delegation led by Mr. G. Balachandhran, Director General, Federation of Indian Exports Organization (FIEO) visited Uzbekistan. On arrival, the delegation called on the Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Mirabror Usmanov, (also in charge of Light Industries and Trade Complexes).
The Deputy Prime Minister was optimistic that the visit of the product specific Indian delegation dealing in cotton, silk and gold would yield results and further promote the trade and economic ties between the two countries. He said that both the countries have been enjoying historical and cultural ties for a long time, but the trade level between the two countries has not reached the desired level, despite advances in other areas. He assured that the government will do its best to ensure that the present visit will improve trade much and result in establishing joint venture.

Mr. Sharat Sabharwal, the Indian Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan assured the Deputy Prime Minister that Indian traders are serious to establish business relations with the Uzbek partners. The visit of the FIEO delegation as a follow-up of the earlier visit of FIEO’s multi-product delegation in January 2004 signifies the importance that India attaches to the strengthening of trade and economic relations between the two countries.

The Indian business delegation accompanied by the Indian Ambassador also called on senior Ministers and other government officials of Uzbekistan to discuss the details to enter into trade of cotton and silk. Other associations with whom the delegation had useful meetings were State Committee for Geology and Mineral Resources; Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Agency for Foreign Economic Relations; the Uzbek Silk Association; Uzbek Light Industry; Uzbeksavdo and Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Complex.

To discuss further about the business negotiations in the above specific sectors, the Indian business delegation also visited Urgench City in Khorezm Province, wherein it called on the Hokim of the Province and the Hokim of the Urgench City. They assured all possible support of the province for establishing joint ventures in these sectors with the Indian companies. Negotiations are in process and some business deal is expected to take place.

Mr. G. Balachandhran reiterated that the delegation would like to buy cotton and silk, yarns of cotton and waste and also cotton waste and silk waste from Uzbekistan, to facilitate establishment of joint ventures in the Uzbek Republic. He said that the delegation would not only purchase the available quality cocoons for silk production but also ensure that the entire produce of quality from farmers. Mr. Balachandhran mentioned that FIEO would also be organizing a multi-product exhibition in Uzbekistan early next year in association with Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Aloke  Shekhar,

Uzbekistan