In 2024, Uzbekistan’s trade with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states rose by 11%, marking a boost in economic cooperation. On December 26, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting in St. Petersburg as an observer, underscoring the growing partnership between Uzbekistan and the EAEU.
The meeting, conducted online and chaired by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, was attended by several heads of state, including President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mines, and Trade, representing the observer country, also participated, with a video message from Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.
The summit addressed key issues of expanding trade and economic cooperation, supporting industrial projects, and advancing joint programs in priority areas. President Mirziyoyev emphasized Uzbekistan’s role as a proactive observer in the EAEU, noting that the country has established effective cooperation in 22 areas.
A new three-year cooperation plan with the Eurasian Economic Commission, adopted in October, includes 40 measures spanning trade, industry, finance, agriculture, and transport. Uzbekistan has also joined several EAEU sectoral programs, focusing on digital trade, freight transport, e-commerce, and climate change.
The president called for the gradual elimination of trade barriers, proposing expert discussions on removing tariff and non-tariff restrictions in mutual trade. He also expressed Uzbekistan’s readiness to work on aligning technical regulatory systems and implementing electronic data exchange on goods and vehicles across customs borders.
“In order to form reliable financial resources to promote joint projects, we plan to complete the procedures and become a member of the Eurasian Development Bank early next year,” President Mirziyoyev noted.
Looking ahead, President Mirziyoyev highlighted Uzbekistan’s intention to become a member of the Eurasian Development Bank early in 2025, fostering a favorable environment for joint projects. The president also proposed holding a meeting of the EAEU Business Council in Tashkent in April 2025 to strengthen business ties.
In addition, the Uzbek leader advocated for cooperation in digital technologies and artificial intelligence, as well as the development of agricultural projects that promote the mutual exchange of agricultural products and scientific innovations. To boost tourism, he suggested a procedure allowing EAEU citizens to enter Uzbekistan using internal documents.
The summit concluded with a shared commitment to furthering economic collaboration and advancing mutual interests across a range of sectors.
