The Russian delegation noted the positive dynamics of trade relations between Russia and Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- At the end of 2018, trade between Russia and Uzbekistan almost doubled to US$4.4 billion, and there is potential for further growth. Ilyas Umakhanov, deputy chairman of the Federation Council, said this at a meeting of the Russian-Uzbek and Uzbek-Russian business councils, which took place during the official visit of the delegation of the Federation Council to the republic, the chamber’s press service said.

The event was also attended by Chairman of the Committee on Economic Policy Andrei Kutepov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Environmental Management Sergey Lisovsky.

Ilyas Umakhanov in his speech noted that in recent years, traditionally good-neighborly and friendly relations between Russia and Uzbekistan have received a new powerful impetus.

“In many respects, this is the merit of the leaders of our states, their political will and attitude towards the result. This, of course, was reflected in the economic indicators of cooperation between our countries,” said the senator.

According to him, the establishment of the Joint Commission on Cooperation at the level of Heads of Governments emphasizes the special nature of the partnership between the two countries. The senator also noted the effective work of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, which is already yielding real results.

So, in a short time, at the request of Uzbekistan, Russia created favorable conditions for the import of agricultural products from the republic. For this, a system of customs “green corridor” was introduced, a special procedure for customs operations, phytosanitary control was established, and preferential railway tariffs were involved.

Today, according to the vice speaker, about 70 Russian regions are cooperating with Uzbekistan: jobs are being created, new markets are opening up.

“Russia is ready to increase the supply of high-quality agricultural machinery and engineering products, together to modernize the food industry, to develop export of advanced Russian technologies,” Ilyas Umakhanov said.

The vice speaker assured that the Federation Council will do everything necessary to strengthen and expand relations between the two countries.

In turn, the head of the Committee on Economic Policy Andrei Kutepov noted that Uzbekistan is one of the leading economic partners of the Russian Federation in the CIS. And Russia is the leading investment partner of the Central Asian republic.

“The volume of Russian investments in the economy of the republic is estimated at US$9 billion,” the parliamentarian said.

According to him, today in the republic there are 1,427 enterprises with Russian participation, representative offices of 70 Russian companies are accredited. More than 600 enterprises with the participation of residents of Uzbekistan are registered in the Russian Federation. A steady dynamic has developed between the two countries in the trade and economic field, Kutepov stated.