Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- As part of the Economic Forum of Uzbekistan - 2022, a round table was held on the theme "Trade and industrial policy".

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Badriddin Abidov, First Deputy Minister of Finance Omonulla Nasritdinkhojaev, Chairman Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Plant JSC Kuvondik Sanakulov, Agrico Regional Manager Firuza Tatybayeva, World Bank Trade and Regional Integration Practice Manager Antonio Nucifora, experts from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Asian Development Bank.

During the round table, the impact of the pandemic and ongoing geopolitical processes on the economy of the region was considered. It is noted that in order to overcome the problems, it is necessary to maintain stability, diversify export markets with an increase in the share of high value-added products and strengthen positions in the digital economy.

The meeting also discussed the prospects for improving industrial policy and trade liberalization, strengthening ties with international organizations and investors, and integrating into regional and global trade agreements.

The participants highly appreciated the reforms of Uzbekistan aimed at trade liberalization and the successful promotion of the negotiation process on accession to the WTO, emphasizing the importance of continuing work on further facilitation of trade procedures and access to foreign markets, as well as increasing the level of investment potential, forming high value chains, implementing new industrial policy, the implementation of competition policy and the development of priority industries based on competitive advantages, the development of the transport and logistics services market.

During the round table, a question-and-answer session was held, at which the participants gave exhaustive answers within the framework of the discussed areas of development of the region.