BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 14. Uzbekistan and the
Philippines are considering establishing a Joint Economic
Commission and holding a business forum in Manila as the two
countries look to expand trade and economic cooperation.


This was reflected in the statement by the Ministry of
Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan following a meeting
between Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and
Trade Ilzat Kasimov and Roberto Gutierrez Manalo, the Philippines’
Ambassador to Uzbekistan, on August 14.


"The meeting also addressed issues related to the establishment
of a Joint Economic Commission, the organization of a business
forum in Manila, the development of air transportation, training of
personnel, and cooperation in the field of labor migration," the
ministry said in the statement.


Establishing a Joint Economic Commission, could provide a
platform for coordinating bilateral economic initiatives and
identifying new areas for business cooperation.


The sides reviewed the current state of bilateral economic
relations and explored opportunities to increase trade and launch
new joint projects. Bilateral trade reached $3.3 million in the
first half of 2026, marking a 135.6% increase compared with the
same period a year earlier.


Agriculture, mineral fertilizer supplies, information and
communication technologies, electrical engineering, transport,
geology and textiles were identified as priority areas for
cooperation.


Plans to organize a business forum in Manila were also
considered, alongside measures to strengthen air connectivity
between the two countries.







The agenda further included professional training and
cooperation in labor migration, reflecting efforts to broaden
bilateral ties beyond trade in goods.


“The parties agreed to continue practical efforts to expand
bilateral trade and advance joint projects,” the Uzbek ministry
said.


The discussions come as Uzbekistan seeks to diversify its trade
partnerships and expand economic ties with Southeast Asian markets.
For the Philippines, stronger engagement with Uzbekistan could
create opportunities in agriculture, technology, logistics and
industrial cooperation.


The planned business forum and Joint Economic Commission could
provide additional channels for companies from both countries to
identify investment opportunities and develop commercial
partnerships.


The sides agreed to continue practical work on expanding trade
and developing projects in the priority sectors identified during
the meeting.