Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 18 October, Laziz Kudratov, the Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, participated in the 13th meeting of the Ministers of Economy and Trade and the 15th meeting of the Working Group on Economic Cooperation of the member states of the Turkic States Organization (TSO) held in Bishkek.

The meeting brought together key representatives from member states, including TSO Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, the Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic Daniyar Amangeldiev, the Minister of Trade of Turkey Ömer Bolat, the State Minister for Security Policy of Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Sztaray, as well as representatives from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

Laziz Kudratov emphasized the important role of the TSO in the system of international relations and noted the successes in developing regional cooperation. Over the past five years, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover with TSO member countries has increased by 25%, reaching US$10 billion by the end of last year. Since the beginning of this year, over 500 new enterprises with the participation of capital from TSO member countries have been opened in Uzbekistan, bringing the total number to 4,000. The inflow of investments from TSO member states has exceeded US$5 billion over the past three years.

Minister Kudratov presented several proposals for further strengthening economic cooperation within the TSO. "We strive for full digitalization of trade and cargo transportation procedures, the creation of ‘green corridors’ and a ‘single window’ to simplify customs procedures," he noted.

He also emphasized the importance of stimulating mutual investments by implementing financial support mechanisms and developing transport communications and transit corridors. "Uzbekistan is ready to invest all efforts in creating a unified transit network and forming a joint railway network within the TSO," stated Kudratov.

During the meeting, Minister Kudratov held several discussions with colleagues from other countries, including the Minister of Economy of Kyrgyzstan Daniyar Amangeldiev and the Minister of Trade of Turkey Ömer Bolat. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for developing bilateral and multilateral cooperation.