UNCTAD ready to support Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO

The parties discussed prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation by attracting UNCTAD technical assistance for the development of foreign trade relations and foreign investment in Uzbekistan, the MIFT press service reported.

Separately, opportunities for joint work to improve the system of managing the activities of free economic zones (FEZ) in Uzbekistan were examined. In this regard, an agreement was reached to assist Uzbekistan in working out a “Concept for Development of Free Economic Zones”. It is planned that the pilot project for the implementation of the Concept will be the “Khazarasp” FEZ in the Khorezm region.

Mukhisa Kituyi supported the initiative to implement a project to develop the value chain in the fruit and vegetable sector of Uzbekistan as part of the UNCTAD special program to support landlocked states. In addition, the organization’s leadership expressed willingness to assist Uzbekistan in the preparation of a special program to increase exports of processed fruits and vegetables.

UNCTAD is ready to use the available tools and mechanisms to support Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and obtain the status of a beneficiary country of the General System of Preferences of the European Union “GSP+” through organizing advanced training programs for coordinators and negotiators of Uzbekistan involved in these issues.

Particular attention was paid to joint initiatives in the field of technology and digitalization – the UNCTAD leadership offered assistance in: (1) improving the national statistical system of attracted and mastered foreign investments, introducing the ASYCUDA system in the customs structure, which provides for the complete digitalization of customs procedures and their transition to non-contact mode of operation; (2) providing technical consulting in the development of the investment portal of Uzbekistan and its promotion among foreign business circles.

Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to active cooperation and outlined a plan of priority actions for the practical implementation of joint initiatives.