Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 16 June 2020, the 4th meeting of the Uzbek-Finnish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held by videoconference mode, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov and Minister of Development and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Finland Ville Skinnari.

During the meeting, the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations in the field of investment, trade, economic, financial, technical, cultural and humanitarian cooperation were analyzed, priority tasks for the near future were identified, within the framework of which specific proposals were voiced to enhance further joint work.

The parties exchanged views on measures taken to combat the spread of coronavirus and reduce its negative impact on the economies of the two countries. In this context, the importance of intercountry coordination and exchange of experience in effectively responding to a pandemic was observed while observing sanitary and epidemiological requirements while maintaining socio-economic activity.

A review of the economic situation in Uzbekistan and Finland was carried out, on the basis of which the main guidelines for the further development of trade, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries were identified.

The investment sphere, in the general opinion of the parties, is characterized by significant potential in such areas as information and communication technologies, pharmaceuticals, fish farming, agriculture, and innovation. In this regard, the heads of the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade and relevant industry departments from the Uzbek side, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Employment and Economics, specialized agencies and organizations of Finland to promote trade, business and innovation (“Business Finland”, “Finnpartnership”), leading Finnish manufacturers (Nokia), as well as chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries, presented detailed information on potential areas and initiatives of cooperation between the business circles of the two countries in each of the promising areas.

The positive dynamics in financial and technical cooperation was particularly noted - the Government of Finland was grateful for the contribution of 1 million euros to the UN Multi-partner Trust Fund for Human Security for the Aral Sea region. Also in this context, the prospects of expanding partnerships in this area by establishing contacts with financial institutions and agencies of Finland were considered.

Concrete mechanisms of cooperation were discussed with the leadership of the Finnish National Agency for Education and the University of Applied Sciences of Finland, bearing in mind the implementation of joint projects in Uzbekistan using the best practices of the Finnish education system.

The actual direction of the intercountry dialogue was cooperation in the field of ensuring employment of the population - the parties exchanged lessons learned from the implementation of targeted programs and initiatives, and also discussed the prospects for cooperation in this area.

As a result of the meeting, key agreements were reached that clearly and consistently determine the areas of direct interaction, as well as specific projects and initiatives are planned for implementation that form the foundation for the long-term cooperation perspective.