Uzbekistan aims to become a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub,offering new incentives to lure Indian investment, says Industry and Trade's Shokhrukh Gulamov. He stressed need for better subsidies and tech transfer to boost local production.
Gulamov detailed reforms to cut red tape and enhance investment draws. Simplifying licensing,reducing bureaucracy—these could make local production more appealing to Indian pharma companies. "To expand local pharma manufacturing,Uzbekistan could adopt policies that ease regulatory approvals," he said.
Tax breaks,subsidies for tech transfer,support for industrial clusters and export-focused production are on table. Gulamov said access to industrial zones,partnerships with local firms could boost capacity while meeting quality standards. He emphasized protecting intellectual property and maintaining stable policies to attract big investments in pharma sector.
Linking local production with regional distribution and export could boost profits,cut import reliance. This would let Indian companies make essential meds locally,improving healthcare access in Uzbekistan,making it a supply hub.
Culturally,Gulamov underscored cultural diplomacy's role in economic ties. Indian tourism,film projects can highlight Uzbekistan's heritage,opening doors in hospitality,transport,services. "People-to-people engagement builds trust,smooths business,encourages investment," he remarked. Cultural events,joint initiatives enhance goodwill,link creativity with trade,tourism .
Economic ties between India,Uzbekistan growing,backed by solid legal, institutional framework. By 2025,bilateral trade hit USD 1.317 billion,up 33.3% from last year. Exports USD 164.6 million,up 25.4%,imports USD 1.153 billion,up 34.6% from 2024. Early 2026 trade USD 300 million,showing momentum despite seasonal shifts.
Partnership backed by 117 signed agreements,including 2011 Strategic Partnership Declaration,recent 2024 Investment Protection Agreement. Mechanisms like Intergovernmental Joint Commission,Uzbekistan-India Business Council coordinate trade,investment projects.
Indian investments rising,with direct investments at USD 292.9 million in 2025. By May 2026,397 Indian-invested enterprises in Uzbekistan,including 311 joint ventures. Trade,investment growth paired with better connectivity,51.2% freight volume increase in 2025,expanded air links,deepening ties in transport,pharma,engineering,IT…
