Eldor Aripov: Belarus will be able to use the unique transit potential of Asia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - Belarus will be able to use the transit potential of Uzbekistan and share its experience in the development of the IT sector. This was stated to journalists before the start of the round table on the development of the Belarusian-Uzbek expert cooperation by the director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISMI) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Eldor Aripov.

In the course of communication with journalists, Eldor Aripov stressed that the current round table was held on the eve of the historic visit:

- The first in the entire history of bilateral relations visit of the President of Uzbekistan, dear Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Belarus. And this visit fully reflects the absolutely new dynamic that is emerging between our countries. Diplomatic relations between us were signed in 1993, but only now can we fully realize the potential of bilateral relations that we have. The growth in turnover is evident: already US$420 million, in the first half alone, it has grown by 14.6%. Therefore, our Presidents see all the grounds before raising its level to US$1 billion. And we completely agree with this. Yesterday we participated in the work of the Forum of the Regions and saw how enthusiastically the representatives of various sectoral departments, various Belarusian and Uzbek companies spoke. And with what enthusiasm they talked about the new dynamics. And the possibility of further deepening our relations in the interests of our peoples.

These questions will be discussed between the leaders of the ISMI and his colleagues from BISI, Eldor Aripov explained:

“And to see the factors that still hinder our relations in order to work out concrete recommendations for our governments aimed at the further development of Belarusian-Uzbek relations.”

Among such factors that impede the intensification of the Belarusian-Uzbek relations, the Director of the Institute of Immigration sees the passivity of past years:

- We had a certain pause, which was delayed and did not pass without a trace. We, unfortunately, still know each other badly and poorly understand the realities in which each of us lives. I think today’s round table will allow us to bring together, give the necessary understanding and fill the gap that exists so far. I hope that such events will become regular, and we will be able to raise all questions and discuss them frankly.

Specifying what areas are most interesting and promising for the development of cooperation between Belarus and Uzbekistan, Eldor Aripov noted:

- First of all, this is the trade and economic sphere. I am impressed with the results that Belarus has achieved in the development of IT technologies. This is the direction to which we in Uzbekistan today pay great attention. Therefore, it is very interesting for us to study the Belarusian experience and see where we could combine our potentials. In addition, we could jointly explore the markets of third countries, especially since Uzbekistan began to implement interesting transport and communication projects that I can connect Central Asia with South. And this means that Belarus will also be able to use the transit potential of Uzbekistan.

It should be clarified that in December 2017, on the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a comprehensive five-year program was adopted in the country to improve the transport infrastructure and diversify foreign trade routes. The document provides for the practical implementation of several international transport corridors: Uzbekistan — Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman, Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China and the trans-Afghan route, which provides access to the seaports of Iran (Bandar Abbas and Chakhbakhar) and Pakistan (Gwadar and Karachi).

In addition, after the state visit of the head of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan in March 2017, rail and road bridges were opened across the Amu Darya River, which makes it possible to more than double the volume of freight traffic. This project expands the possibilities of promoting the idea of creating a through transport and communication highway along the route Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Caspian Sea-South Caucasus with access to the Black Sea ports of Turkey, Romania and other countries.

Finally, after 20 years of negotiations, significant progress has been made in the construction of a railway linking China and Central Asia through Kyrgyzstan. As a result of the projects, the length of the alternative land corridor in the direction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Iran (3,500 km) will be 4 times shorter than the existing sea route between China and Iran (13,800 km).