President Mirziyoyev outlines plan to boost trade and industry ties with EAEU

First. Gradual removal of trade barriers remains a core task.

The president said it is necessary to intensify coordination between Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and EAEU institutions in order to align approaches to technical regulation, as well as sanitary and phytosanitary standards. He emphasized the expediency of developing a roadmap to eliminate excessive procedures and harmonize requirements.

To promptly address issues related to differences in technical regulation, certification, and customs administration, Mirziyoyev proposed establishing a joint Uzbekistan – EAEU coordinating group on tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Second. Special emphasis is being placed on developing industrial cooperation.

Mirziyoyev stressed the need to jointly compile a list of projects in mechanical engineering, energy, the agro-industrial sector, chemicals, and other industries.

“In light of Uzbekistan’s accession to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, it would be appropriate to jointly define the strategic areas of partnership and develop a roadmap covering priority infrastructure and green projects, as well as support for small and medium-sized businesses. We are confident that the bank can become not only a source of financing, but also a catalyst for attracting investment into integration projects,” the president said.

Third. Cooperation in digital technologies is set to be strengthened.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed preparing a roadmap with the Eurasian Economic Commission to link digital platforms, including e-commerce and digital labeling systems. He also identified the digitalization of customs administration and the transition to a seamless cargo transportation model as key priorities.

Fourth. Uzbekistan is interested in joining the EAEU’s technological platforms.

These platforms cover areas such as biomedicine, new materials, agrotechnologies, energy, and robotics.

Fifth. Uzbekistan is ready to participate in creating an integrated information resource in tourism.

According to Mirziyoyev, such an approach would help ensure interconnectivity between the tourism products of participating countries.

The presidential press service reported that over the past four years of cooperation as an observer state, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover with EAEU countries has nearly doubled. Of particular importance is the steady increase in the share of high value-added products in trade and the continued expansion of cooperation projects. A three-year plan comprising around 40 concrete measures in trade, industry, finance, agro-industry, and transport is currently being implemented with the Eurasian Economic Commission.

Work in the joint working group format is ongoing, with its fifth meeting scheduled to be held in Tashkent next year.