Uzbekistan will respond to Tajikistan – Khojayev over customs clearance issue (video)

Uzbekistan may take reciprocal measures against Tajikistan over the imposition of high customs duties on Uzbek exporters. The statement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojayev during a meeting with ambassadors and business representatives on January 17.

At the meeting, a business representative raised concerns related to trade issues with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and countries in the Caucasus region. In particular, he noted that Tajikistan’s high customs duties on Uzbek goods are increasing prices by up to 15 percent. He also pointed to visa-related difficulties in trade with Turkmenistan.

“We have a problem with Tajikistan. We export our products to this market. Even when all required documents are fully submitted, our goods are cleared through customs using a reserve method. This leads to our products becoming up to 15 percent more expensive in that market,” the entrepreneur said.

In response, Jamshid Khojayev stated that Uzbekistan would consider reciprocal action if the situation does not change. According to him, Uzbek customs officials will hold talks with their counterparts. If the practice continues, retaliatory measures will be taken. Uzbekistan’s ambassador will also convey the issue as a formal signal to the Tajik government.