On 19 July 2024, H.E. Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand led a delegation comprising of representatives from seven Thai companies from various sectors such as modern trade, logistics and agribusiness to the Republic of Uzbekistan to explore potential business opportunities.

The Thai delegation paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Shokhrukh Gulamov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade received a comprehensive briefing on economic and investment direction of Uzbekistan. Both sides exchanged views on ways to elevate economic cooperation, especially in trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries. The Deputy Permanent Secretary highlighted the purpose of the visit in exploring business opportunities and potentials for Thai businesses in Uzbekistan and the need to promote more active engagement between Thai and Uzbek private sectors, post COVID-19. Furthermore, the promotion of people-to-people contacts was discussed with the aim of fostering closer ties between the two countries as Thailand has granted the 60-day visa exemption for the Uzbek nationals from 15 July 2024 onwards.

The Deputy Minister of Investment, Industrial and Trade also expressed interest in working with the Thai side in the areas of agriculture, textiles and tourism.  

Uzbekistan is Thailand’s 2^nd largest trading partner in Central Asia with immense potential due to its fast-growing economy and the largest population in Central Asia, with approximately 35.6 million people. Last year, bilateral trade between the two countries recorded an increase of 93 percent from the previous year. Thailand views Uzbekistan as a gateway to Central Asia while Thailand can serve as a gateway for Uzbekistan to Southeast Asian region.