Speech by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

(26 December 2024 year, St. Petersburg)

Dearcolleagues!

Dearparticipantsmeetings!

Increasing global and regional challenges, economic instability and the expected increase in volatility in world markets require a more active search for new ways to expand partnership between our countries.

It should be noted that over the past few years, Uzbekistan, as an observer state, has established fruitful interaction with the EAEU in 22 areas. This year, our trade turnover with the countries of the Union increased by 11 percent.

In October, with the Eurasian Economic Commission, we adopted a new three-year Plan, which included about forty specific activities in such areas as trade, industry, financial sector, agriculture, transport and others.

We have also joined and intend to actively participate in industry programs in the field of digitalization of trade and cargo transportation, the introduction of e-commerce, the fight against climate change.

In addition, the Government of Uzbekistan is carefully preparing for the next, fourth meeting of the joint Working Group. We propose to hold this meeting in Uzbekistan in March next year.

Dearcolleagues!

I would like to briefly outline our vision of the priorities for expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Eurasian Economic Union.

First.This is the implementation of coordinated measures to gradually eliminate trade barriers. We propose to study at the expert level the issue of signing an agreement on the non-application of tariff and non-tariff restrictions on trade between Uzbekistan and the EAEU on a reciprocal basis.

We are ready to hold consultations in the near future on the convergence of technical regulation systems, with the adoption of a Practical Action Plan.

Second.I believe that the expansion of trade operations will also be facilitated by Uzbekistan’s participation in the signed Agreement on a Unified Customs Transit System.

It is important to speed up the coordination of agreements on the electronic exchange of data on goods and vehicles moving across the customs borders of our countries.

Third.We are interested in joining the mechanisms and tools to support industrial cooperation and production localization programs launched within the framework of the Association.

In addition, in order to create reliable financial sources for the promotion of joint projects, we plan to complete the procedures and join the Eurasian Development Bank at the beginning of next year.

Fourth.We intend to strengthen systemic interaction in the field of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

We are ready to jointly work on issues of connecting Uzbekistan to the Integrated Information System of the EAEU and the Digital Union project.

Fifth.We stand for the preparation of a Cooperation Program in the agricultural sector. We are talking about measures to facilitate mutual access of agricultural products to our markets, the implementation of innovative agro-industrial projects, and the introduction of advanced scientific developments.

Sixth.In order to encourage tourist exchanges, we intend to introduce a procedure allowing citizens of the Union states to enter our country using internal documents.

Dear colleagues!

Uzbekistan is committed to developing close and productive cooperation with partners on the EAEU in order to effectively use all its potential.

I take this opportunity to congratulate and wish success to dear Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko in connection with the transition to Belarus of the chairmanship of the Organization.

Once again I want to cordially congratulate all of you and our fraternal peoples on the upcoming New Year, wish you prosperity and prosperity.

Thank you for your attention.

Official website of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan