Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 22 November, the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov met with the British Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the Consul General of Great Britain in Istanbul Kenan Poleo.

During the meeting, a wide range of issues of Uzbek-British cooperation were considered. The active dynamics of expanding partnership in the political, investment, trade and economic spheres was noted.

This is evidenced, in particular, by the receipt by Uzbekistan of the beneficiary status of the Extended Scheme of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP EF) of Great Britain. It was noted that this step will make a significant contribution to the diversification and development of economic and trade relations between the two states.

During the dialogue, the parties indicated their mutual readiness to implement practical measures for the effective implementation of the preferential status of the GSP EF beneficiary. An agreement was reached on holding thematic seminars to raise awareness of ministries, departments and business circles of Uzbekistan about new opportunities for increasing mutual trade with Great Britain, created in connection with the country’s obtaining this status.

Mutual readiness was expressed to intensify joint work to bring the business circles of the two countries closer together, as an important factor in strengthening economic relations. In this context, the effectiveness of the Uzbek-British Council for Trade and Industry was emphasized and the prospects for creating on its basis the Uzbek-British Business Council as a permanent platform for establishing direct ties between entrepreneurs of the two states were considered.

The sphere of financial and technical cooperation was also touched upon. Further steps were discussed for interaction in promoting economic reforms in Uzbekistan within the framework of the Effective Governance of Economic Development in Central Asia (EGED) program in partnership with the World Bank.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain close contacts for a high-quality and timely solution of the assigned tasks and prompt resolution of emerging issues.