Negotiations on Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation Held in Ankara

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A delegation from the Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan held a series of working meetings and negotiations in Türkiye, the “Dunyo” news agency reports.

The latest round of negotiations took place at the Department of International Agreements and Cooperation with the European Union of the Turkish Ministry of Trade. The main topic of discussion was the expansion of the list of goods covered by preferential trade agreements between the two countries.

The Uzbek side proposed adding 18 new types of products to the existing list, which currently includes 12 items. It was noted that the updated list would increase bilateral trade volumes and provide an additional incentive to strengthen economic ties.

Additionally, the issue of increasing quotas for goods already covered by preferential agreements was discussed. Participants emphasized that expanding quotas would create additional opportunities for the growth of mutual trade.

Following the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the feasibility of holding the next round of negotiations in Tashkent and discussed the potential expansion of the number of countries participating in the Preferential Trade Agreement.

An agreement was reached to further activate the work of the Joint Working Group on Trade between Uzbekistan and Türkiye and to organize its second session in the near future.

The delegation from the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade also participated in the 41st session of the Working Groups of the Trade and Economic Cooperation Committee (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

During the session, issues related to deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and industry, as well as strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties, were discussed.

The Uzbek side presented several initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of trade and economic cooperation. These included increasing mutual trade volumes through simplified customs procedures and the implementation of digital solutions, developing industrial cooperation and investment partnerships, improving logistics and transportation links, harmonizing halal product standards and certification systems, and exchanging experience in innovation and e-commerce.

During the visit, the delegation also held separate meetings with representatives of member states and international organizations, where proposals for developing mutually beneficial cooperation and implementing joint initiatives were discussed.