Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has joined the framework agreement on simplifying procedures for cross-border paperless trade in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC).

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree approving this agreement.

The agreement, adopted on 19 May 2016, in Bangkok (Thailand) by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), provides for mutual recognition of electronic trade documents and exchange of customs data. This aims to enhance the compatibility of national electronic document systems and align national legislation with international standards.

The primary goal of the agreement is to simplify international trade in the APAC region, reduce costs, and ensure transparency in customs operations.

Previously, China, South Korea, Iran, Russia, Tajikistan, and other ESCAP members have joined this document.

The framework nature of the agreement implies that mutual recognition of electronic trade documents will occur after the signing of bilateral and multilateral agreements between participants.

The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan has been designated as responsible for the implementation of this