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A delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan arrived in Penza yesterday. Oleg Melnichenko noted that the Penza Oblast is building strategic relations with the Republic of Uzbekistan, implementing the decisions voiced by the Presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan.

"We are looking forward to a long-term cooperation," Oleg Melnichenko said. The Penza Oblast is expanding contacts with the regions of Uzbekistan in various areas: trade and economic, scientific and technical, and humanitarian. We are interested in trade, industry, agriculture, culture, and tourism.

In 2023, the Penza Oblast signed cooperation agreements with the Tashkent and Andijan Regions, and with the Bukhara Region in May 2024 as part of the first meeting of the Council of Regions of Russia and Uzbekistan.

"We are very pleased that our interregional relations are gaining momentum and reaching a new level," said Erkinjon Turdimov, Khokim of the Samarkand Region. Our visit to Penza is another step towards strengthening cooperation for the benefit of our peoples. We are interested in maintaining and expanding relations."

Among the areas of possible cooperation, Erkinjon Turdimov named the construction sector, industry and agriculture. He suggested creating joint ventures for the production of laminate flooring, machine tools, and turkey cultivation and deep processing.

Erkinjon Turdimov noted that he sees great prospects in exchanging experience in the agro-industrial sphere, creating joint educational programs, conducting scientific research in the field of ecology, medicine and information technology, launching software development and cybersecurity projects. The Khokim also called tourism and infrastructure development important areas of cooperation.

Oleg Melnichenko noted that the Penza Oblast is focused on expanding exports. In January-April 2024, the trade turnover with Uzbekistan amounted to almost 350 million rubles. In 2023, export volumes increased by more than 40 percent compared to 2022. New export contracts with partners from Uzbekistan totaling more than 75 million rubles were signed by Motor Technologies, StankoMashStroy, PKO-Sura Company, Slavia, Leskom, Vanyushkiny Sladosti, and Diad (confectionery).

"We are also ready to import textiles and agricultural products," the governor added. We discussed with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov the possibilities of railway transport links between the Penza Oblast and the regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Our intentions are still valid. We will continue to work on this issue."

"I am confident that the visit of your delegation to the Penza Oblast will serve as a catalyst for boosting cooperation between our regions," Oleg Melnichenko summed up, noting that work is underway to prepare an agreement on cooperation between Penza and Samarkand.