BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19
By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend:
Canada supports Uzbekistan’s ongoing political and economic reforms, and welcomes opportunities to strengthen its engagement, including on issues of gender, women’s empowerment, and climate change, spokesperson at Global Affairs Canada, Allison Lewis told Trend in an interview.
“Canada greatly values its growing partnership with Uzbekistan, which has allowed us to make meaningful progress in areas of shared interest, including expanding trade and sharing our experience in water management. This is highlighted by the recent visits of the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the EU and Europe, Stephane Dion, who has traveled to Uzbekistan twice in the previous two years, further strengthening bilateral ties,” said Lewis.
According to her, Canada also committed to enhancing commercial relationship with Uzbekistan.
“Canada’s May 2019 trade mission included nearly 35 Canadian companies from seven sectors, making it the largest trade mission ever organized by Canada in Uzbekistan. We hope to build on this momentum to deepen relationship in various areas and strengthen the overall commercial relationship between Uzbekistan and Canada,” stated Lewis.
She also added that the protection of the environment is a priority for both countries.
“In March 2019, Canada hosted experts from the Uzbekistan, for the Canada-Central Asia Water Workshop. Canada also pleased to continue supporting joint efforts by contributing to two projects in the Aral Sea region, through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. We hope to continue engagement in the region on this very important topic,” said Lewis.
According to Lewis, Canada encourages all countries to engage with global markets and the institutions that help promote the rules based international order, including the WTO.
“Canada is supportive of universal Membership at the WTO and supports Uzbekistan’s accession efforts. We know from previous accessions that the process of joining the WTO can often promote economic growth and reforms,” Allison Lewis pointed out.
In 2019, exports of Uzbek products to Canadian market grew 2.7 times compared to 2018, making up $1.1 million with the total turnover of $10 million.
In the period from January through May 2020, the volume of Uzbek goods supplied to Canada has increased more than tenfold, compared to the same period of 2019, and reached the historical mark of $23.6 million.
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