Uzbekistan and South Africa have agreed to begin work on a preferential trade agreement. The matter was discussed on August 26 during a video conference between Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, and South Africa's Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau.
Such an agreement could involve reducing or eliminating tariffs on certain categories of goods, thereby simplifying trade between the two countries. It has not yet been disclosed which specific goods might receive preferential treatment.
In parallel, the two countries plan to establish an intergovernmental commission and draft an investment protection agreement. The sides also discussed joint projects and technology exchange in the chemical and mining industries.
This fall, around 50 Uzbek companies are expected to take part in a business mission to Johannesburg, where meetings with South African businesses will be arranged for them.
The ministers also outlined cooperation plans for 2026–2027 and agreed to continue developing specific joint projects.
In July, Uzbekistan's ambassador, Ashraf Khodjaev, discussed visa facilitation and the prospects for introducing a visa-free regime with representatives from Ethiopia and South Africa.
Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and South Africa totaled $7.5 million in the January–July period — more than three times higher than the $2.3 million recorded over the same period last year.
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