Uzbekistan Seeks Lower Transit Tariffs for Trucks Crossing Iran
The Uzbek ambassador in Tehran called for reduced fees and closer transport cooperation as the two countries pursue a $2 billion trade target.
Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Iran asked Tehran to reduce transit tariffs for Uzbek trucks and expand transport cooperation. Officials from both countries also discussed a $2 billion trade target, visa facilitation, transit of Iranian goods through Uzbekistan and joint projects in agriculture, textiles, infrastructure and technical services.
TEHRAN — Uzbekistan has called on Iran to reduce transit tariffs for Uzbek trucks crossing its territory, saying high fees have contributed to lower Uzbek truck traffic compared with Iranian trucks traveling through Uzbekistan last year.
Uzbek Ambassador to Tehran Fereydin Nasriov made the request during a meeting with Samad Hassanzadeh, president of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
Nasriov said Iran and Uzbekistan are targeting bilateral trade of $2 billion and should develop plans to achieve that goal. He also called for a business forum in Iran and more direct meetings between economic actors from both countries.
The ambassador said the two sides had discussed transport cooperation and related facilities. He added that Uzbekistan was interested in having access to facilities in Bandar Abbas, while acknowledging that some misunderstandings remained between the two countries and should be resolved.
Nasriov also expressed readiness to buy oil and related products from Iran and said Uzbekistan could export fiber, cotton yarn and textiles to the Iranian market. He noted that international textile brands operate factories in Uzbekistan.
On agriculture, he said Iran and Uzbekistan could complement rather than compete with each other because their harvest seasons differ. He cited potential cooperation in vegetables, fruit and other agricultural products.
Hassanzadeh said facilitating the transit of Iranian goods through Uzbekistan was a major priority. He also called for visa-free travel and easier movement between the two countries, particularly for Iranian businesspeople.
According to Hassanzadeh, Iran has unilaterally waived visas for Uzbek citizens and hopes Uzbekistan will take a similar step for Iranian travelers. He referred to an agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation through 2027 and increase trade to $2 billion, while calling on Uzbekistan to help speed road transit for Iranian goods.
Hassanzadeh said the two countries were discussing 29 joint projects in technical and engineering services, as well as water and wastewater. He also proposed cooperation in mining, agricultural machinery, construction materials, power-generation equipment, renewable-energy infrastructure, petrochemicals, textile factories, steel production and greenhouse construction.
The Iran Chamber’s vice president, Hossein Pir-Moazen, said Iran and Uzbekistan could cooperate in greenhouse farming and extraterritorial cultivation. He added that both countries had advanced in producing seeds and hydroponic greenhouse equipment, creating opportunities for cooperation in seeds, fertilizer and related equipment.