President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced Uzbekistan's intention to create a joint list of projects in the field of industrial cooperation with the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). It is important to note that since 2020, Uzbekistan has held the status of an observer in the EAEU, and this April, the republic completed the process of joining the agreement on the establishment of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB).
During the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Council in an expanded format, Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to focus on the development of industrial cooperation, proposing to jointly identify projects in areas such as machine engineering, energy, the agro-industrial complex, and chemistry.
In his opinion, in light of Uzbekistan's accession to the EDB, it is advisable to jointly determine strategic directions for partnership and develop a roadmap covering key infrastructure and green projects, as well as support for small and medium-sized businesses.
Mirziyoyev noted that the bank could serve not only as a source of funding but also as a catalyst for attracting investments into integration projects.
The President of Uzbekistan also highlighted the importance of data exchange within the EAEU to improve customs control. He expressed confidence that cross-border data exchange would enhance the efficiency of customs control.
According to Mirziyoyev, work is currently underway in the format of a joint working group, the fifth meeting of which is scheduled for next year in Tashkent. Uzbekistan is actively participating in relevant EAEU programs related to the development of e-commerce, digitalization of freight transportation, and combating climate change.
The President also expressed support for the start of negotiations on an agreement for the exchange of information about goods and vehicles crossing the customs borders of Uzbekistan and the EAEU. He is confident that such data exchange will help improve the efficiency of customs control and reduce delays, facilitating the integration of transport systems.
Earlier, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov, noted at a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council that important issues for cooperation with the EAEU include the diversification of transport corridors, simplification and digitalization of freight transportation, as well as the development of new logistics chains.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko expressed readiness to see Uzbekistan as a full-fledged member of the EAEU. "We would be happy to see Uzbekistan in our family. You are doing a lot for this, and it would be wonderful," Lukashenko noted at the EAEU summit on Sunday.
Source: RIA Novosti
