Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Ukraine and Uzbekistan have signed a protocol liberalising bilateral and transit freight transport. The document provides for Ukrainian freight carriers to operate without permits.
The protocol was signed by Ukraine’s Minister for Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport Mykola Kalashnyk and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov.
According to Kalashnyk, the move to a permit-free regime will reduce administrative procedures and the time required for Ukrainian carriers. The number of available permits will no longer limit such transport operations.
The decision comes amid changes in traditional logistics routes between Ukraine and Central Asia. As the Ukrainian minister noted, Kyiv is working to develop alternative routes and simplify transport conditions for businesses.
Trade turnover between Ukraine and Uzbekistan amounted to about US$315 million in 2025, up 14% from the previous year. According to the Ukrainian side, simplifying road freight transport will create additional opportunities for developing trade between the two countries.
Ukraine is consistently expanding the geography of its so-called “transport visa-free regime.” According to Kalashnyk, liberalised freight transport is already in place with 38 countries, including European Union member states.
The Ukrainian minister thanked the Uzbek side, and Ilkhom Makhkamov personally, for cooperation and for signing the decision aimed at simplifying carriers’ operations and developing business ties between the two countries.
