Uzbekistan Establishes Interagency Council to Develop Transit Potential

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan has adopted a resolution establishing an Interagency Council for the Development of the Country’s Transit Potential.

The initiative is part of a strategic effort to facilitate Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and align national legislation with international standards.

The primary objective of the council is to create favorable conditions for the transit of vehicles across Uzbekistan and to implement the principle of freedom of transit, as established under WTO rules.

Coordination of transit transport at the national level will be entrusted to the Ministry of Transport, which will also serve as the council’s secretariat. The Interagency Council is defined as a collegial body responsible for simplifying, modernizing, and standardizing customs procedures to create a transparent and competitive environment.

The council’s tasks include developing proposals for road infrastructure improvements in accordance with international standards, enhancing the competitiveness of transit corridors, and introducing digital technologies in the operations of government agencies.

The council is authorized to issue directives to state bodies on procedural simplification, review requests from WTO member states, and monitor compliance with international transit agreements. Its authority does not extend to the transit of special cargo or military formations.

Activities will be carried out according to an approved annual plan. Meetings, chaired by the council head, must be held at least twice a year. Decisions are made by a simple majority, provided at least half of the members are present, and are documented in official minutes.

The Ministry of Transport is required to publish up-to-date information on transit routes, required documentation, tariffs, current restrictions, and penalties for violations on its official website.