Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During his official visit to Kuala Lumpur, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim participated in the Uzbek-Malaysian Business Forum.

The forum gathered more than 200 leaders and representatives of major companies, investment organizations, and financial institutions from both countries. Among the Malaysian participants were large corporations such as Petronas, MMC Corporation, DRB-Hicom, Gemilang Coachwork, Proton, Gentari, Five Petroleum, YTL Corporation, Sunview Group, KPJ Healthcare, MK Tron, Mimos, Sparco Engineering, Tradewinds Group, Kapital DX, Gamuda, Westports, Khazanah, EXIM Bank of Malaysia, and others.

In his speech, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the high-level talks had been held in a constructive and productive atmosphere. As a result, an agreement was reached to begin a two-year period of innovative development of Uzbek-Malaysian partnership, and key areas for further cooperation were identified.

It was noted with satisfaction that a solid framework for interaction had been established between the two countries over the past year: an Intergovernmental Commission had been created, the Business Council had started operating, and a number of large-scale business events had been held. Despite significant geographical distance, cooperation is gaining momentum, partly due to the active development of transport links. Currently, almost daily direct flights are operated between the capitals of the two countries.

The talks carefully explored reserves for deepening the partnership and identified new growth areas. Agreements were reached to significantly increase mutual trade volumes, develop a preferential trade agreement, and organize joint exhibitions and fairs. As a result, a substantial portfolio of bilateral projects was formed, and an Industrial Cooperation Program was developed.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that Uzbekistan and Malaysia have high potential to elevate bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership. In this context, the President highlighted priority areas for further cooperation.

One of the key vectors of cooperation is expanding partnerships in the electronics and semiconductor industries. There are significant prospects in the implementation of joint projects in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and data center creation.

Another strategically important direction is the gas and chemical industry. Currently, work is underway to prepare large-scale projects in polymer production and to develop initiatives for the production of "green" hydrogen and ammonia.

The rapid development of the construction sector in Uzbekistan creates high demand for modern and environmentally friendly building materials. In this regard, the President invited Malaysian companies to participate in the creation of advanced manufacturing facilities and the implementation of large construction projects in various regions of the country.

Special attention was given to healthcare cooperation. Prospects for building modern clinics and producing innovative pharmaceutical products using advanced Malaysian technologies were discussed.

Food security issues were also addressed. Interest was expressed in working together on implementing "smart" agriculture technologies, expanding organic product production, and introducing halal standards.

Furthermore, Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited Malaysian companies and financial institutions to actively participate in the privatization of Uzbekistan’s state assets in sectors such as telecommunications, energy, banking and finance, and others.

The significant potential for bilateral cooperation in areas such as geology, education, transport, and pilgrimage tourism was also noted. The President expressed satisfaction with the significant interest of Malaysian businesses in joint investment projects, as well as the entrepreneurs’ willingness to exchange technologies and knowledge.

In this context, it was announced that a special economic zone would be created in Tashkent region under the management of a Malaysian company.

At the end of the event, the Uzbek head of state proposed holding the next Uzbek-Malaysian Business Forum in Uzbekistan this fall.