Doha, August 27 (QNA) - Qatar Chamber discussed on Thursday with the Agency for the Development of Light Industry under the Cabinet of the Republic of Uzbekistan, economic and trade relations between the two countries, as well as investment opportunities and climate available on both sides, and incentives and facilities offered to investors. 
During the meeting, Qatar Chamber Board Member, Dr. Mohamed bin Jawhar Al Mohamed, stressed the visit's importance in boosting cooperation between the Qatari and Uzbek private sectors and exploring partnership opportunities. He noted that Uzbekistan is witnessing significant economic growth, while bilateral trade remains below expectations, highlighting the need to enhance private-sector cooperation. 
He also pointed out that light industries represent a promising area for cooperation, with opportunities for partnerships in manufacturing, production, technology and other fields, highlighting Qatar's investment environment, advanced infrastructure, modern economic and logistics zones, and strategic location providing access to regional markets. 
For his part, Director of the Uzbek Agency for the Development of Light Industry, Oybek Khodjaev, said the delegation comprises 14 leading Uzbek companies specialized in textiles. He noted that light industries account for around 10 percent of Uzbekistan's economy, with approximately 10,000 companies operating in the sector, while exports reach 87 countries. 
He also pointed out that Uzbekistan is currently focusing on expanding into African and Gulf markets, expressing the Agency's readiness to promote investment opportunities available in Qatar among the Uzbek business community. 
In turn, HE Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Qatar, Dr. Ashraf Khodjaev, presented a proposal to establish a textile and fabric manufacturing plant in Qatar through a Qatari-Uzbek partnership, combining Uzbek expertise and technology with Qatar's investment environment, incentives and available raw materials. He noted that such cooperation could help position Qatar as a regional and global hub for textile and fabric production. (QNA)