Uzbekistan, Serbia Move to Expand Economic Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and Serbia have agreed to expand trade and economic cooperation, increase investment and develop industrial ties following the first meeting of the Uzbek-Serbian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Belgrade on 7 September.

The meeting was co-chaired by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov and Serbia’s Minister for International Economic Relations Nenad Popovic.

The sides discussed expanding trade and economic ties, increasing investment and developing industrial cooperation. Particular attention was given to preparations for the start of negotiations on a free trade agreement.

Pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, critical minerals, digital technologies and artificial intelligence were identified as promising areas for cooperation.

The participants also discussed ways to simplify freight transportation between the two countries and prospects for cooperation in railway infrastructure.

The second meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission is planned to be held in Uzbekistan in 2027.

During his visit, Kudratov also held a series of meetings and talks with executives of major Serbian companies. The sides discussed opportunities to further develop business ties and cooperation in priority areas.