Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 18 April this year, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov took part in the first Conference of Ministers Responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activities "Central Asia - China" via videoconference.

During the conversation, an exchange of views took place on the current state and prospects for further development of trade, economic and investment cooperation between the countries of the Central Asian region and the PRC, including in the field of liberalization and simplification of trade procedures, attracting investment, expanding the multilateral trading system, increasing the volume of mutual deliveries of products , the introduction of the digital economy, the development of transport infrastructure, the strengthening of regional cooperation.

In his speech, Laziz Kudratov noted the importance of effectively using the huge transit potential of the Central Asia-China region, as well as the need to develop system solutions to ensure uninterrupted cargo flow and develop cross-border logistics networks.

The importance of continuing work to deepen interregional development was emphasized. In this context, it is proposed to hold a Forum of the Heads of Regions of the Central Asian countries and China in the second half of this year in Uzbekistan in order to strengthen partnerships between the business community and identify new growth points.

The prospects for intensifying interaction as part of the expansion of digital trade were discussed. An initiative was proposed to develop a “Program for the Development of the Economy and Trade in the Era of Digitalization”, which will include the creation of a joint platform of the “Intellectual Silk Road” based on the IT parks of the countries of the region.

The participants of the meeting noted with satisfaction the successful coordination of the memorandums planned for signing on strengthening trade and economic cooperation, as well as on cooperation in the field of digital trade in the China-Central Asia format.

Following the meeting, the parties unanimously confirmed their intention to continue interaction aimed at creating a favorable environment for participants in the economic activities of the Central Asian countries and China and further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the states of Central Asia and China in the field of industry, investment, economy and trade.