Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel as the head of the observer state, and Mikhail Myasnikovich, Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission participated in the recent meeting chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

President of Azerbaijan Ilhom Aliyev and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon also participated as invited heads of state. Issues of trade and economic cooperation were discussed at the summit.

In his speech, Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan is actively participating in the activities of the association as an observer state under the EEC.

In 2022, the volume of trade of Uzbekistan with EEC countries increased by 23%. A stable growth rate is observed this year as well. Uzbekistan participates in special programs and network projects on the simplification of trade procedures and in the fields of transport, agriculture, ecology and tourism.

“Global risks, serious disruptions in transport and logistics chains, food shortages and threats to energy security and other problems are intensifying, requiring further coordination of close cooperation to solve the first tasks of sustainable socio-economic development of our countries,” said Mirziyoyev.

The President said that it is important to continue joint work on simplifying trade procedures and creating the necessary conditions for a radical increase in regional trade turnover. The adoption of the agreement on elimination of technical barriers and mutual recognition of certificates serves this.

The President of Uzbekistan pointed out the importance of integration of electronic platforms and online systems of customs administration, sanitary, phytosanitary and veterinary control and certification of the origin of goods. Detailed consultations at the expert level have been proposed to work out the mechanisms for the implementation of this initiative.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of developing North-South international corridors and other highways connecting the region with China, Middle East and South Asian countries.

The head of state noted the need for close coordination in tariff policy issues and invited him to join the work of the Project Office on the construction of the “Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan” railway.