BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 28. Uzbekistan may adopt a "Road Map" for the implementation of joint projects with EU, Trend reports citing the European Council.
This is stated in a joint press statement by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Charles Michel, President of the European Council.
The Presidents welcomed the dynamic development of economic, trade and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union. Granting Uzbekistan a status of the EU’s GSP+ arrangement beneficiary in April 2021 became an important step in this regard, which opened up access for a large number of Uzbek commodities to the EU market.
The parties attached special attention to the need for joint efforts to accelerate the implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia and welcomed the EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference: Global Gateway for Sustainable Development to be held on November 18, 2022 in Samarkand.
During that conference, the Uzbek side is ready to propose to adopt a "Road Map" for the implementation of joint projects in priority areas of cooperation.
Creation of sustainable transport corridors has been specified as key factor for increasing mutual trade, including explore options for further development of the Trans-Caspian Multimodal Route.
The Presidents discussed the importance of expanding port capacities, increasing ferry and rail fleets, harmonizing customs procedures, introducing digital solutions for cargo handling and border crossing. The implementation of such projects is fully consistent with the goals and objectives of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative.
The Uzbek side explained the importance of the project of construction of the Termez-Mazari-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway, enhancing connectivity.
The Uzbek side expressed its readiness to create the necessary conditions for attracting FDIs, including EU companies.
The parties welcomed the approval and beginning of implementation of the EU’s Multi-Annual Indicative Program 2021-2027 for financial and technical assistance for Uzbekistan.
They stressed the importance of using the existing significant potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of digitalization, green economy and energy efficiency and water use, including through the introduction of advanced European experience and implementation of joint projects in these areas.