“Uzbekistan and Qatar - a new stage of relations: from constructive political dialogue to mutually beneficial economic cooperation”

“Uzbekistan and Qatar - a new stage of relations: from constructive political dialogue to mutually beneficial economic cooperation”

In recent years, the Emirate of Qatar has become one of Uzbekistan's reliable partners in the Middle East. Relations between the two countries are developing rapidly. This dynamic is especially clearly reflected in the establishment of regular political dialogue.

In particular, in 2023 alone, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, paid two high-level visits to the Republic of Uzbekistan. The head of our country, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, also paid a state visit to the Emirate of Qatar
in the same year.

The summits held were distinguished by their high efficiency and richness
of content. This can be seen in the scale of the plans outlined in the signed bilateral documents.

For example, 24 agreements worth $12 billion were reached. The agreements covered all strategic areas of mutual interest.

Most importantly, the agreements reached at the above-mentioned high-level meetings predetermined the long-term dynamics of Qatari-Uzbek relations.

As a result, today the relations between the two countries are taking on a new spirit and scope. This is especially clearly reflected in the ratification of the Uzbekistan-Qatar Strategic Cooperation Agreement in 2025.

In addition, institutional structures are being formed that are consistent with the status of Strategic Cooperation. The introduction of such a mechanism
as the Coordination Council, headed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, is a vivid example of this trend.

In this regard, it should be noted that the first meeting of the Coordination Council for Strategic Cooperation, held in Doha in August of this year, was another important step in the development of bilateral relations.

The upcoming visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Doha can be considered as a logical continuation of above processes. This event is aimed at writing a bright page in the new history
of bilateral relations.

Because the long-term negotiations and meetings at various levels demonstrate the compatibility of the strategic goals of the parties and the intersection of the paths
of further economic development.

In particular, the essence of the national development programs "New Uzbekistan - 2030" and "Qatar Vision - 2030" lies in the development and people-oriented plans that are consistent with each other.

That is, the leadership of both countries has similar aspirations, such as transitioning to a new model of the economy through diversifying the geography of foreign economic relations and ensuring the transfer of new technologies.

The main goal remains to increase the well-being of the population, radically reform the life of the state and society. From this point of view, Uzbekistan and Qatar can be a support for each other.

An analysis of the economic directions that are mutually beneficial for the two countries also confirms the above points.

Firstly, the foreign trade structure of Uzbekistan and Qatar is characterized by complementarity. At the same time, the current volume of mutual trade between the two countries indicates that there is still great potential for the development
of trade relations.

Because, while the volume of trade of the Emirate of Qatar with
the outside world in 2024 amounted to 130 billion dollars, this figure in Uzbekistan
is 66 billion dollars.

In addition, the two countries are important for each other as a large consumer market. Uzbekistan has the largest demographic indicators in Central Asia
(about 40 million people).

In the composition of the population, young people make up the absolute majority. That is, the number of economically active people is large. They differ significantly from other age groups in their high consumer needs.

Although Qatar has a relatively small population of about 3 million, its population stands out from other countries in terms of its high purchasing power.

For example, various rating agencies estimate Qatar's annual GDP per capita
at between $70,000 and $100,000. This is one of the highest indicators in the world.

From this point of view, the Emirate of Qatar can become one of the important directions for Uzbek exports. In particular, Uzbekistan has great opportunities in the areas of non-ferrous metals, electrical appliances, as well as food, textile and jewelry.

In turn, Uzbekistan can become one of the key countries in ensuring food security, which is an important strategic direction for Qatar.

In this regard, it should be noted that the “Made in Uzbekistan” exhibition
of Uzbekistan’s export potential, planned to be held in Doha in 2026, is of
great importance.

In addition, the parties are discussing the introduction of a preferential
trade system between them.

Secondly, Qatar has great opportunities in the energy sector. This is measured, on the one hand, by the fact that the country is the third largest in the world in terms of gas reserves and the thirteenth largest in terms of oil reserves.

On the other hand, the Emirates have long-term rich experience in geological prospecting and development of the energy industry in the search for oil
and gas resources.

That is why Qatar can be an important partner for Uzbekistan in this direction. After all, the “New Uzbekistan - 2030” development program indicates that ensuring energy security for the population is one of the top priorities.

That is, the Emirates can be a reliable partner in reforming the energy system
of Uzbekistan, increasing its efficiency and diversifying energy production areas.

Thirdly, Qatar is among the countries with high investment opportunities.
The leading fund of the Emirates – the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) – has about $500 billion under its control.

In addition, since 2021, changes have occurred in the QIA’s investment policy. Traditionally the fund’s investments were directed to the US and European markets, but now the QIA is strengthening its activities in developing countries of the Asian continent. For these purposes, the QIA coordination office in Singapore began
its activities in 2021.

Uzbekistan is also becoming one of the countries in the QIA's sphere of interest. Currently, Uzbekistan is conducting intensive negotiations to attract Qatari investments in the infrastructure development, energy, agriculture and
manufacturing sectors.

It is planned to introduce a number of leading Qatari companies to the Uzbek market in above areas. For example, currently, such areas as the localization of pharmaceutical production in cooperation with Qatar Pharma, the construction of an electric bus production plant, cooperation with Qatar Mining and Petro White in the field of mineral extraction and processing, and the development of innovative urban infrastructure with the participation of Ariane Real Estate and Al Mana Group are at the center of discussion.

Thus, all of the above indicates that Uzbekistan has become an attractive direction for Qatar's foreign economic activity. That is, Uzbekistan is becoming a major economic testing ground for Qatari companies, the success of which will pave the way for Qatar to expand its activities in other countries of Central Asia.

Uzbekistan is also interested in these processes. The activities of Qatari capital are consistent with the goals of the country's development strategy. That is why
the planned visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Doha is expected
to be more meaningful than ever. The expected high-level summit will be of decisive importance in all the promising projects discussed above.

Aziz Karimov,

Leading Researcher at the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan