MINSK, September 24. /Dunyo IA/. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan’s Fergana Region and Belarus’ Minsk Region reached $150 million this year, marking a 28 percent increase, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Against the backdrop of growing trade, a delegation from Minsk Region, led by Chairman of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee Aleksey Kushnarenko, visited Fergana Region.

During the working visit, the Belarusian delegation familiarized itself with industrial enterprises and investment projects in the region. At the “Kokand” Free Economic Zone, delegation was presented with the production of porcelain stoneware at the joint venture “Crown Ceramic”, a project for fruit processing and the production of concentrated natural juice by “Marwin Fruitline”, as well as the production of automotive components at “Hansae Mobility Turan”. The latter project has attracted $30 million in foreign investment and created 150 jobs.

Another example of cooperation is an enterprise in Fergana District established with the participation of a Belarusian investor. The facility processes and freezes berries, fruits and vegetables for export to Belarus, Russia, Türkiye and Kazakhstan. Its exports have exceeded $3 million. More than 100 permanent jobs have been created, while seasonal employment rises to 200.

The sides plan to expand cooperation in light industry, mechanical engineering and tourism, as well as develop direct ties between their districts.

Fergana and Valozhyn districts agreed to prepare a joint cooperation plan within three months covering the economic, cultural and educational spheres.

Following the meetings, the sides signed three documents aimed at further developing interregional and business ties.