Uzbekistan Supports CARTIF Agreement Talks at CARES Forum

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Laziz Kudratov, head of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade, participated in the 24th Ministerial Conference of the CARES program, held on 19–20 November in Bishkek.

In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of expanding trade and investment cooperation among the countries of the region and expressed support for the launch of negotiations on the CARES Trade and Investment Facilitation Agreement (CARTIF).

During the thematic sessions, the minister presented Uzbekistan’s initiatives aimed at developing physical and digital infrastructure, strengthening regional connectivity, modernizing transport and logistics chains, and enhancing the economy’s resilience to climate risks.

Special attention was given to human capital development, innovation promotion, and accelerating digital transformation.

Key documents were signed at the conference, including a Memorandum of Understanding on a pilot model for electronic exchange and mutual recognition of conformity certificates among CARES countries, as well as a Memorandum on the creation of a CARES Innovation and Venture Investment Catalyst Fund.

Uzbekistan’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and its readiness to advance new projects aimed at expanding economic ties, boosting competitiveness, and creating additional business opportunities across CARES member states.