President of Uzbekistan participates in EAEU Summit

On May 29, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in a regular meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Astana as the head of an observer state.

The meeting, chaired by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was attended by President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mher Grigoryan. Among the participants were Vice President of the Republic of Cuba Salvador Mesa and Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Atabak, who took part as observers. Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Bakytzhan Sagintayev also took part in the meeting, while CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev attended as a guest.

The agenda included the further expansion of multilateral trade and economic cooperation, support for industrial cooperation projects, and the implementation of joint programs in priority areas of interaction.

Opening his remarks, the President of Uzbekistan noted that the consistent expansion and deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation with EAEU countries remains one of the key priorities of Uzbekistan’s foreign economic policy.

He emphasized that cooperation with the Union’s member states has evolved into a comprehensive economic partnership.

Mutual trade continues to grow steadily, industrial cooperation is expanding, logistics links are strengthening, and new areas of cooperation are emerging in the digital economy, energy, and services sectors.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that the implementation of the three-year Action Plan, developed jointly with the Eurasian Economic Commission, is being completed this year. In this regard, he proposed adopting a new plan at the next meeting of the Joint Working Group with the Eurasian Economic Commission, scheduled to be held in Tashkent this autumn.

A roadmap for aligning the technical regulation systems of Uzbekistan and the EAEU has recently been approved.

Uzbekistan is also actively participating in the Union’s key initiatives, including the development of e-commerce, the digitalization of cargo transportation, and the climate agenda.

A country office of the Eurasian Development Bank has been established in Tashkent. A portfolio of new industrial cooperation projects has been developed jointly with the Bank.

The President of Uzbekistan outlined his vision for the priority areas of partnership with the Union.

Particular attention was given to the creation of a unified digital space to facilitate seamless trade between Uzbekistan and the Union’s member states.

In this context, the President underscored the importance of harmonizing approaches to e-commerce regulation, digital data exchange in customs, phytosanitary and veterinary controls, certification of origin, and the phased mutual recognition of electronic documents.

He also proposed launching the development of smart transport and customs corridors through the introduction of digital transit systems, integration with traceability platforms, and modernization of border checkpoints.

It was noted that the sixth International Industrial Exhibition, INNOPROM. Central Asia, held in Tashkent this April, demonstrated growing business interest in production localization, technological cooperation, and the development of new manufacturing chains.

The President proposed utilizing the platform’s potential to develop a cooperation program between Uzbekistan and EAEU countries. Promising areas include industrial automation and robotics, the production of energy-sector components, water-saving technologies, modern construction materials, and other advanced industries.

The Head of State expressed readiness to establish a Joint Cooperation Project Office in Uzbekistan that, in partnership with the Eurasian Economic Commission and operating as a one-stop shop, would identify potential partners, support the implementation of new initiatives within the country’s free industrial zones, and facilitate the attraction of investment and financing.

“We stand ready to develop additional incentives for high-tech residents from EAEU member states,” President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized.

An initiative was also put forward to adopt a joint Green Industry Transformation Program aimed at increasing energy efficiency, introducing clean technologies, and reducing the carbon intensity of products.

The practical content of the program could include the formation of a portfolio of joint green projects, the development of new financing instruments, and the modernization of priority industrial sectors through the use of artificial intelligence technologies.

“For our countries, this is no longer solely a matter of environmental policy, but also a key factor in ensuring the long-term competitiveness of industry,” President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted.

Particular attention was paid to organized labormobility. The importance of bringing cooperation in this area to a qualitatively new level through the integration of national electronic employment services was emphasized.

This involves creating a convenient and seamless digital environment providing citizens with direct access to verified vacancies, information on employment conditions, and migration regulations.

"This will enable us to address the needs of our countries' labor markets, enhance workforce skills, strengthen the protection of citizens' rights, and reduce the risks of illegal employment," Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded.

In the field of tourism, it was noted that Uzbekistan has put forward the “Tourism Ring of Central Asia” initiative.

In this context, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited EAEU member states to join efforts to promote this tourism route across popular digital platforms.

In conclusion, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized that the country's participation in EAEU multilateral programs and projects would contribute to further strengthening mutually beneficial partnership and promoting the sustainable development of our countries.