TEHRAN –  Iran’s trade with 
Uzbekistan reached about $280 million in the first five months of the current Iranian year that started on March 21, with agricultural exports, technology cooperation and joint investment identified as key areas for expanding bilateral economic ties, an Iranian official has said.
Rahmatollah Khormali, Iran’s commercial attaché in Uzbekistan, said on Sunday that the two countries had maintained their trade volume despite regional conditions affecting Iran’s commercial activity.
He said agriculture remains a priority, noting that a 120-member Iranian delegation led by the agriculture minister recently traveled to Uzbekistan. The delegation included experts and private-sector representatives in farming, aquaculture, machinery and food-processing industries, he added. 
Khormali described Uzbekistan as one of Central Asia’s most populous countries and Iran’s second-largest export destination among Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) members.
Iran currently exports products including citrus fruits, apples, kiwis, pistachios, dates, dairy products, milk powder and fish feed to Uzbekistan, with the possibility for further diversification.
He also highlighted technological cooperation, saying Iranian companies are currently implementing around 30 projects worth $770 million in Uzbekistan, including agricultural projects.
Khormali said continued exchanges between business delegations and greater interaction between officials and economic operators could further expand bilateral trade. He also cited food security as another promising area for specialized cooperation.