Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - At the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) under the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a meeting was held with a delegation of the PRISM analytical center in London (UK), led by senior analyst T. Folmer.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the state and prospects of bilateral cooperation.

During the negotiations, the parties discussed in detail the large-scale transformations being carried out today in Uzbekistan, the updated foreign policy of the state on the world stage and in Central Asia, examined the current state and prospects for further development of cooperation.

In turn, the British side noted that the latest changes and reforms implemented in Uzbekistan to improve public administration are very important and timely.

During the meeting, CERR Director O. Khakimov informed the guests about the ongoing research of the Center. It was noted that large-scale work is underway on impact assessment and a detailed analysis of integration processes within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

However, Mr. T. Folmer expressed particular interest in these studies. In particular, a British analyst asked whether the entry into the EAEU could bring the economy of Uzbekistan positive or negative.

The CERR leadership noted that today the Center’s experts are studying estimates of the possible consequences of Uzbekistan’s joining the EAEU, as well as the impact of changes in trade policy on macroeconomic indicators of Uzbekistan and individual sectors.

“The entry of Uzbekistan into the EAEU can significantly reduce the barriers for Uzbek products to enter the markets of the Union countries and the associated costs for exporters. The expansion of the EAEU, the creation of free trade zones of this organization with other countries can facilitate the entry of Uzbek exports to the markets of these countries,” O. Khakimov said.

At the same time, he noted the need to take into account that joining the EAEU entails a greater openness of the domestic market, where domestic manufacturers will compete with products from other countries. Therefore, the main issue on the agenda is the strengthening of the competitiveness of domestic business.

It should be noted that in their studies, CERR experts also take into account factors that are aimed at increasing competitiveness, including large-scale programs for the modernization of economic sectors. In particular, a sectoral industry analysis is carried out with the relevant ministries and departments of the country.

Following the talks, an agreement was reached on establishing further close cooperation between the parties on the basis of the CERR research program in 2020.