Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 27 June, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Minsk, where he took part in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council as the head of an observer state.

The summit was chaired by the President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, and was attended by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Sadyr Japarov, and Vladimir Putin, respectively. Observer participants included Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who addressed the event via video message. Also present were Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalid Al Nahyan, First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia Nam-Ochir Uchral, and CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev.

The agenda focused on advancing multilateral trade and economic cooperation, supporting joint projects, and implementing collaborative programs in key partnership areas.

In his address, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with EAEU member states remains a priority of Uzbekistan's foreign economic policy. He expressed gratitude for the participation of EAEU delegations in the "Innoprom. Central Asia" exhibition and the 4th Tashkent Investment Forum, which resulted in important agreements and outlined new project initiatives.

The president noted that since Uzbekistan obtained observer status in the EAEU, its trade turnover with Union member states has grown by 80%, reaching $18 billion in 2024. In March, the fourth meeting of the joint Working Group was held, which developed measures to eliminate technical barriers and encourage cooperation.

A new three-year cooperation plan has been launched, comprising around 40 specific initiatives. Uzbekistan actively participates in EAEU-led projects, including the Eurasian Agroexpress, e-commerce development, digitalization of freight transport, and climate-related agendas. In April, Uzbekistan completed the procedures for joining the Eurasian Development Bank and is currently working with the bank to build an investment portfolio in strategic industries ranging from metallurgy to textiles and chemicals.

President Mirziyoyev outlined key areas for strengthening the partnership with the Union, particularly emphasizing the need to create favorable conditions for expanding mutual trade. He called for the acceleration of expert assessments on Uzbekistan’s initiatives to simplify procedures and harmonize technical regulations.

He also expressed interest in joining the EAEU’s digital technical regulation system, the ecosystem of digital transport corridors, and the Eurasian Reinsurance Company.

In the context of the rapid development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the president proposed developing a dedicated digital cooperation program, covering areas such as e-commerce, product labeling, next-generation logistics platforms, and the application of AI across various sectors. He further underscored the importance of integration into the unified information system of border checkpoints to simplify and speed up border crossings.

To boost industrial cooperation, President Mirziyoyev voiced readiness to expand collaboration through EAEU’s SME support programs, including the EAEU Business Council. Uzbekistan is also interested in leveraging financial mechanisms to support industrial projects and engaging with the Eurasian Network for Industrial Cooperation and Technology Transfer.

In the sphere of food security, the president proposed adopting an Agro-Cooperation Program between Uzbekistan and EAEU countries, aimed at promoting innovation, simplifying trade in agricultural products, and expanding the “green corridor” initiative.

He also stressed the need to simplify procedures for labor migrants, including harmonization of professional standards and qualification requirements. In this context, he proposed expert consultations and Uzbekistan’s participation in the "Work Without Borders" platform.

In conclusion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev affirmed that Uzbekistan’s active participation in EAEU programs and initiatives will contribute to strengthening economic ties and ensuring sustainable development across the region.