Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 28 June 2021, in Tashkent, the meeting of the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov with the Vice-President of the Republic of Turkey Fuat Oktay, who arrived in Uzbekistan on a working visit, took place.

During a constructive dialogue, the parties discussed the current state of development of multifaceted cooperation between the two states, and also exchanged views on the prospects for its expansion.

It was noted that the interaction between Turkey and Uzbekistan, thanks to the efforts of the Heads of the two states, was brought to the level of strategic partnership and is currently developing dynamically despite the pandemic and recession in the world economy caused by the imposed quarantine restrictions. In this context, issues of preparation for bilateral events at the highest level were discussed, in particular, for the holding of the 2nd meeting of the Strategic Cooperation Council in Uzbekistan this year.

The parties also considered issues of building up economic partnership. It was noted that in the period from January to May of this year, the volume of trade between Uzbekistan and Turkey amounted to US$1.3 billion with an 83 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Mutual intentions were voiced to take all necessary measures to bring the volume of mutual trade to US$5 billion a year in the near future.

In this context, the sides discussed the development and adoption of the draft Agreement on preferential trade between the two countries. Interaction in this direction will be intensified with the aim of reaching final agreements on existing issues and holding the next round of bilateral negotiations in the near future.

Prospects for deepening cooperation in the field of digitalization of the economy and public administration in Uzbekistan were discussed. The parties agreed to create a joint working group consisting of experts in the field of information technology and innovation to work together to solve urgent problems and develop specific proposals for the use of Turkish experience in this area.

They also discussed the introduction of Turkish experience in Uzbekistan in the field of improving the investment climate, regional development, increasing the efficiency of special economic zones and other areas. An agreement was reached to expand cooperation in these areas with the involvement of Turkish experts.

The significant potential for the further development of technical cooperation was underlined, bearing in mind the implementation of new projects jointly with the Turkish Agency for International Cooperation and Development.

Following the meeting, specific measures were identified and further steps were outlined to deepen cooperation within the framework of the discussed issues and areas.