Uzbekistan plans to fix zero rates of customs duties on textile products from the European Union, Kun.uz correspondent reports.

It was announced within the framework of talks between the First Deputy Minister of Economy Mubin Mirzayev and Chairman of the EP for Relations with the Central Asian countries and Mongolia Iveta Grigule-Pēterse.

During the meeting, the European side was proposed the following priority areas for further expansion of economic cooperation:

• creating equal conditions for the access of Uzbekistan’s textile products to the markets of the EU countries taking into account the ongoing reforms in agriculture. For example, there are zero rates of customs duties on textile products for individual countries of the world, however, it is set in the amount of 7-12% for Uzbekistan;

• cooperation in ensuring compliance of the quality of agricultural products with EU standards, increasing the personnel potential in this sphere;

• attracting foreign investments from the EU countries for the implementation of projects under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework for the development of road and transport infrastructure, social services, housing and utilities, the development of alternative and renewable energy sources; 

• technical assistance to study the advanced European experience in improving the conditions of foreign trade and the liberalization of exchange controls. 

It is worth noting that from July 1, 2017, the Textile Protocol came into force between Uzbekistan and the EU. It implies providing Uzbek manufacturers with tax and customs benefits, as well as unhindered access to European markets.