Uzbekistan has officially become a participant in the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in the Asia-Pacific Region, a multilateral initiative adopted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The agreement will come into effect for Uzbekistan on February 3, 2025, as stipulated under Article 19 of the document.

Uzbekistan's accession to the agreement was formalized through a presidential decree, №PP-316, issued on September 7, 2024. The decree underscores the country's commitment to modernizing trade processes and fostering seamless integration into global digital trade systems.

The framework agreement, in force since February 20, 2021, aims to promote paperless cross-border trade by enabling the mutual recognition and electronic exchange of trade documents and data. It also focuses on improving the interoperability of national and subregional systems.

To date, 14 countries have officially joined the agreement, which facilitates streamlined export and import operations among friendly nations in the Asia-Pacific region. Uzbekistan’s participation is expected to enhance its integration into international paperless trade networks, speeding up and simplifying trade procedures.

The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade has been designated as the authorized body to oversee the implementation of this international agreement in Uzbekistan.