Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — From 14 to 20 March, Uzbekistan hosted the second monitoring visit of the European Commission delegation within the framework of the EU’s Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which grants Uzbekistan preferential trade conditions for exports to the European Union.

The mission aimed to assess progress in implementing the 27 international conventions ratified by Uzbekistan as part of its GSP+ beneficiary status. Discussions focused on aligning trade procedures, expanding bilateral trade, and integrating international standards into national legislation.

During the visit, the European delegation held meetings with key ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, and the General Prosecutor’s Office. Talks were also held with the Ombudsman of the Oliy Majlis and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Uzbek authorities presented detailed updates on the country’s efforts to fulfill its GSP+ commitments. EU representatives praised Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms, including initiatives to strengthen human rights protections, stimulate entrepreneurship, enhance economic transparency, and improve living standards.

Toivo Klaar, the EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, emphasized that GSP+ is a key instrument for strengthening Uzbekistan-EU trade and economic ties. He highlighted that further diversification of bilateral cooperation would contribute to mutual economic growth.

Uzbekistan also proposed new initiatives to simplify trade procedures and align local products with EU standards. As a result, both sides agreed to continue cooperation under the GSP+ framework, focusing on trade facilitation and further harmonization of legislation with international norms.

Uzbekistan obtained GSP+ beneficiary status on 10 April 2021, allowing the country to export over 6,200 product categories to the EU duty-free. Thanks to this preferential system, Uzbekistan’s exports to the European Union reached US$1.4 billion in 2024, nearly tripling the 2020 figure.

Beyond trade benefits, the GSP+ scheme requires beneficiary countries to comply with 27 international conventions on human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and governance. The European Commission conducts regular monitoring to ensure compliance with these obligations.

The monitoring mission reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to fulfilling its GSP+ obligations, paving the way for enhanced trade and economic cooperation with the European Union.