President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the 10th meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Moscow on May 8 as the leader of an observer state.
The meeting, chaired by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, was also attended by the presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the president of Cuba as the leader of observer state.
In his remarks, Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined five priorities for cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
He emphasized that in the current difficult situation in the world, supporting and stimulating trade and economic relations between countries, promoting projects and boosting the growth of two-way investments are of paramount importance.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that over the three years of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EAEU in observer status, the volume of the two-way trade has increased by 60%, primarily due to an increase in the supply of industrial products. While, the share of payments in national currencies is increasing.
Reportedly, over 1,000 joint ventures and projects have been launched. Cargo transportation volumes are growing, and the frequency of regular flights has doubled. Uzbekistan has joined industry projects and programs in the field of digitalization of trade and cargo transportation, in the field of e-commerce, and the climate agenda, the head of state said.
Priorities of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EAEU
1. Uzbekistan seeks to expand partnership and more active participation in the implementation of multilateral industry cooperation projects within the framework of the strategic area of development of the EAEU, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
He proposed to prepare a new comprehensive Plan of joint activities between the government of Uzbekistan and the Eurasian Economic Commission for the medium term.
2. President reiterated his readiness to lift barriers and restrictions in trade with the EAEU countries.
He said that the procedure for Uzbekistan to join the 2009 Rules for Determining the Country of Origin of Goods has already been launched.
“Concrete practical steps in this direction could be the organization of electronic exchange of data on goods and vehicles moved across our customs borders, the integration of information systems for sanitary, phytosanitary and veterinary control, the adoption of a Plan for the convergence of technical regulation measures and the use of electronic certification,” - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
3. “It is important to continue the close dialogue on the development of the North-South transport corridor towards the markets of South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East,” the head of state continued.
In order to simplify transit procedures between countries, he proposed developing a Set of measures for digital interaction with the implemented Unified Customs Transit System of the EAEU.
4. Uzbekistan looks forward to continuing to actively support industrial cooperation projects and localization programs for the production of in-demand products, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
“I propose to develop a separate roadmap in this area, providing for the placement of new capacities in industrial zones and technology parks jointly created in the regions of our countries,” he noted.
In addition, Uzbekistan is interested in using the capabilities of a special mechanism for supporting industrial cooperation programs within the EAEU.
5. He underscored the importance of establishing systematic work and expanding cooperation with the EAEU bodies in such areas as the development of the Eurasian Agroexpress, the introduction of “green” and water-saving technologies, support for the creation of joint agro-industrial clusters and logistics centers, the development of common approaches and close cooperation in issues of overcoming the consequences of climate change.
He also emphasized the importance of creating “favorable conditions and social guarantees for the activities of migrant workers in our countries, with connection to digital platforms, the development of joint tourism programs and products aimed at dramatically increasing tourist exchange.”
