MADRID, March 4. /Dunyo IA/. The Uzbek-Spanish Business Forum was held in Spain’s capital, showcasing Uzbekistan’s investment and export potential and facilitating B2B meetings between business representatives from both countries, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The forum was opened by Farrukh Tursunov, who emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation.

During the opening ceremony, an address from Bakhtiyor Saidov was read by Munira Aminova.

On the Spanish side, participants were welcomed by Laura Jarillo, Deputy Director General for Europe, Asia and Oceania at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business of Spain and Michaela Picazo, International Director of the Spain Chamber of Commerce, who emphasized the interest of Spanish businesses in expanding partnership with Uzbekistan.

The forum gathered entrepreneurs and representatives of leading companies from both Spain and Uzbekistan.

As part of the business program, a video about Uzbekistan was presented, followed by sector-specific presentations. Participants were introduced to the country’s investment and industrial potential, including ongoing reforms to improve the business climate, development of industrial zones and the creation of favorable conditions for foreign investors.

On the Uzbek side, representatives of relevant ministries and regions gave presentations, including in an online format, highlighting the investment and economic opportunities of the Samarkand, Tashkent and Andijan regions. Zafar Yuldashev, Head of Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, delivered a report in person (offline) on the potential of Uzbekistan's agro-industrial complex.

On the Spanish side, presentations were made by Aranzazu Mencia, Vice President of “Almar Water Solutions”, Miguel Rincon, Commercial Director of “New Greenhouse Projects” and Francisco Vilor, Executive Director of “Feeding Systems”.

Spanish companies presented specific initiatives for the implementation of joint projects.

Specifically, “Almar Water Solutions” presented a project for the construction of a water treatment plant in the Samarkand region, “New Greenhouses Projects S.L.” introduced an initiative to establish high-tech greenhouse complexes in the Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions and “Enhol Grupo” outlined prospects for cooperation in energy and sustainable development.

The forum was attended by executives and representatives of leading Spanish companies operating in various industries, including the banking and financial sector (Santander Bank), energy (Enhol Grupo), healthcare and medicine (World Health Management and Gedepsa), agriculture and tourism (Greenhouses Project, Viveros Veron, and Iberoquinoa), as well as water supply (Almar Water Solutions and Grupo COX Assets).

Furthermore, the event saw participation from companies in transport engineering (CAF – rolling stock and railway equipment manufacturing), industrial and environmental equipment (IMABE – waste management and recycling solutions), energy and industrial engineering (GLOBALTEC), e-mobility development (AEDIVE – electric vehicle infrastructure), environmental and innovative technologies (Syneox), and telecommunications systems and public safety solutions (Teltronic)."

The mentioned companies expressed interest in implementing investment projects in Uzbekistan, including transport infrastructure modernization, the introduction of energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions, as well as waste management, electric transport and digital communication systems development.

During the forum, special attention was paid to promising initiatives in water infrastructure, the agro-industrial complex, energy, aquaculture and the application of green technologies.

Following the event, B2B meetings were held, resulting in the signing of cooperation documents and an export contract for the supply of dried fruits, pulses, nuts and other food products to Spain.

The parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further deepening the investment partnership and expanding trade and economic ties between the business communities of the two countries.