Trade barriers to “seamless” transport: Shavkat Mirziyoyev puts forward specific proposals at the EAEU

On December 21, a regular meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council was held in St. Petersburg, Russia. Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who participated as the head of an observer state, outlined several existing challenges and proposed concrete solutions.

“Esteemed heads of delegations,

First of all, I would like to join in expressing gratitude to the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, for the warm hospitality and the excellent organization of today’s meeting.

I would also like to specifically note the effective chairmanship of the Republic of Belarus in the Eurasian Economic Union under President Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko. During this period, multilateral practical cooperation has gained new momentum.

In the context of increasing fragmentation of global markets, growing complexity of logistics chains, and shifting priorities in the allocation of investment resources, deepening pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation with the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union, our strategic and natural partners, is of fundamental importance for us.

Distinguished participants,

Over the past four years of cooperation in the status of an observer state, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover with EAEU countries has nearly doubled.

It is particularly important that the share of high value-added products in the structure of economic ties is increasing, while cooperation projects are expanding at a steady pace.

This reflects our partners’ genuine interest in strengthening production chains.

Uzbekistan is actively participating in the main Eurasian formats.

A three-year plan comprising nearly 40 concrete measures in the fields of trade, industry, finance, agro-industry, and transport is being implemented jointly with the Eurasian Economic Commission.

Work in the format of the Joint Working Group is ongoing, and we plan to hold its fifth meeting in Tashkent next year.

In addition, we are participating in the EAEU’s sectoral programs on the development of e-commerce, digitalization of cargo transportation, and combating climate change.

We welcome the decision to launch negotiations on concluding an agreement on information exchange regarding goods and vehicles transported across the customs borders of Uzbekistan and the EAEU.

We are confident that cross-border data exchange will enhance the efficiency of customs control, reduce delays, and facilitate the integration of our transport systems into Eurasian corridors.

Uzbekistan’s accession to the Eurasian Development Bank has also become an important stage in strengthening cooperation. Together with the Bank, a portfolio of promising projects has been formed in infrastructure, energy, metallurgy, chemicals, and other sectors.

Dear colleagues,

I would like to briefly outline our priority areas for expanding cooperation with the EAEU.

First, the gradual elimination of trade barriers remains a key objective.

We believe it is necessary to intensify coordination between CIS and EAEU institutions in order to harmonize approaches to technical regulation, sanitary, and phytosanitary standards.

It would be advisable to develop a roadmap to eliminate excessive procedures and unify requirements.

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

Second, we are placing particular emphasis on the development of industrial cooperation.

It is necessary to jointly form a list of projects in mechanical engineering, energy, the agro-industrial complex, chemicals, and other sectors.

In connection with Uzbekistan’s accession to the EDB, it would be appropriate to jointly define strategic directions of partnership and develop a roadmap covering priority infrastructure and green projects, as well as support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

We are confident that the Bank can become not only a source of financing but also a catalyst for attracting investment into integration projects.

Third, we intend to strengthen cooperation in the field of digital technologies.

We propose preparing a roadmap with the Eurasian Economic Commission to link digital platforms, including e-commerce and digital labeling systems.

We also view the digitalization of customs administration and the transition to a “seamless” cargo transportation model as priority tasks.

Fourth, we are interested in joining the EAEU’s technological platforms covering areas such as biomedicine, new materials, agrotechnologies, energy, and robotics.

Fifth, we are ready to participate in the formation of an integrated information resource in the tourism sector.

Such an approach would help ensure the interconnectedness of our countries’ tourism products.

Dear friends,

Uzbekistan supports further expansion of practical cooperation with the EAEU.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to wish success to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, on the occasion of Kazakhstan assuming the chairmanship of the Union.

Once again, I sincerely congratulate all of you and our brotherly nations on the upcoming New Year, wishing peace, well-being, and prosperity.

Thank you for your attention.”

The meeting, chaired by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, was attended by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, and President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Leaders of the EAEU observer states, including Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, addressed participants via video message. Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, attended the event as a representative of an invited state.