Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today, on 1 April, the 11th Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum (APTFF) began its work in Samarkand. More than 250 foreign guests from more than 30 countries, including representatives of more than 10 international organizations, take part in the Forum.

The speakers emphasized the great importance of international cooperation in the fields of trade, transport and logistics, digitalization, as well as simplification of trade procedures through electronic data exchange and the development of new mechanisms for doing business. Among the most effective, measures were highlighted to create modern trade and logistics centers, simplified customs corridors and special economic zones in border areas.

On the sidelines of the Forum, a number of meetings were held at which the current state and plans to increase the volume of cooperation between Uzbekistan both with partner countries and international organizations were discussed.

The forum will continue until 5 April. In accordance with the program, group discussions and sessions are planned on aspects of trade facilitation and digitalization, including cross-border paperless trade and transport, as well as greening the trade process.

The Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum is the leading regional platform for sharing best practices and knowledge in the field of trade facilitation. APTFF has been organized since 2009 by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in collaboration with a growing number of partners. The Forum offers significant opportunities for capacity building and collaboration.