Uzbekistan Proposes Joint Industrial Projects with EAEU

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has proposed forming a joint list of priority industrial cooperation projects with member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as well as establishing a coordination group to address tariff and non-tariff barriers.

The proposals were presented by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov at an expanded meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council held in Shymkent.

Aripov stressed that Uzbekistan places special emphasis on developing industrial cooperation and investment partnerships with EAEU countries to build sustainable production chains, localize manufacturing, facilitate technology transfer, and jointly access external markets.

He highlighted the importance of jointly identifying priority projects in sectors such as mechanical engineering, energy, agro-industry, and the chemical industry, among others.

To advance discussions, the prime minister invited representatives of EAEU countries to the international industrial exhibition INNOPROM. Central Asia, scheduled to take place in Tashkent on April 20–22, 2026.

The exhibition will showcase technologies across all industrial sectors, ranging from solutions for urban infrastructure and transport systems to advanced industrial equipment and production automation.

In his remarks, Aripov also drew attention to the issue of non-tariff restrictions in mutual trade, calling for their gradual removal, closer alignment of technical regulations, phytosanitary and veterinary standards, and a reduction in excessive administrative procedures.

To ensure prompt resolution of emerging issues, Uzbekistan proposed establishing a joint coordination group on tariff and non-tariff barriers.

The prime minister also cited foreign trade data, noting that in 2025 trade turnover between Uzbekistan and EAEU countries increased by 33% to exceed US$9 billion. EAEU countries accounted for around 25% of Uzbekistan’s total trade, while approximately 30% of Uzbek exports were directed to EAEU markets.

As part of a three-year action plan with the Eurasian Economic Commission, cooperation has already been established through a joint working group.

Uzbekistan proposed holding its fifth meeting in Tashkent in 2026 and discussing the adoption of joint documents, including an agreement on the exchange of information on goods and vehicles crossing borders.

Uzbekistan has been actively participating in EAEU sectoral programs and projects as an observer since 2020, and in April 2025 joined the agreement establishing the Eurasian Development Bank, opening additional opportunities to finance joint investment projects.