Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today the tenth meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission on bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Uzbekistan is being held in Samarkand.

The parties are expected to discuss the state and prospects of trade and economic cooperation, with an emphasis on industry, agriculture and healthcare, as reported by BELTA.

Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, Khurram Teshabayev, noted that the goal is to double the trade turnover between the countries. He emphasized the importance of traditional sectors such as furniture, dairy products and pharmaceuticals. It is planned that both sides will discuss specific proposals and projects in these areas.

A business forum is planned in the afternoon, which will be attended by representatives of more than 60 Belarusian organizations and more than 200 Uzbek representatives. The visit also includes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Driving Licenses, making driving easier for citizens of both countries.

During the tenth meeting of the joint commission, the idea was expressed about the need for balance in trade relations between countries. 

Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, Leonid Zayats, emphasized the high dynamics of Belarusian-Uzbek cooperation and the parties’ interest in developing cooperation.

The prime ministers of Belarus and Uzbekistan are also expected to participate in the business forum, which represents more than 60 Belarusian enterprises. Plans to increase mutual trade turnover this year will serve as a topic for discussion.