First of all, I would like to join in expressing my gratitude to the President of the Russian Federation, the esteemed Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, for his hospitality and for the excellent organization of today’s meeting.

I would also like to specially note the effective chairmanship of the Eurasian Economic Union by the Belarusian side, led by the President of the Republic of Belarus, Aleksandr Grigoryevich Lukashenko. During this period, multilateral practical cooperation has gained new momentum.

In the context of increasing fragmentation of global markets, growing complexity of logistics chains, and shifting priorities in the allocation of investment resources, deepening pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation with the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union—our strategic and natural partners—is of fundamental importance to us.

Distinguished participants of the meeting,

Over the past four years of cooperation in observer status, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover with EAEU countries has nearly doubled.

It is especially important that the share of high value-added products in the structure of economic ties is growing, and that cooperation projects are expanding at a steady pace.

This reflects the genuine interest of our partners in strengthening production chains.

Uzbekistan is actively participating in key Eurasian formats.

A three-year plan is being implemented together with the Eurasian Economic Commission, encompassing nearly 40 specific measures in the areas of trade, industry, finance, the agro-industrial sector, and transport.

Work continues within the Joint Working Group format, and we plan to hold its fifth meeting in Tashkent next year.

We are also participating in EAEU sectoral programs on the development of e-commerce, digitalization of freight transportation, and combating climate change.

We welcome the decision to begin negotiations on concluding an agreement on the exchange of information regarding goods and vehicles transported across the customs borders of Uzbekistan and the EAEU.

We are confident that cross-border data exchange will enhance the efficiency of customs control, reduce delays, and promote the integration of our transport systems into Eurasian corridors.

Uzbekistan’s accession to the Eurasian Development Bank has become an important milestone in strengthening cooperation. Together with the Bank, a portfolio of promising projects has been formed in infrastructure, energy, metallurgy, chemicals, and other sectors.

Dear colleagues,

Allow me to briefly outline our priority areas for expanding cooperation with the EAEU.

First. The gradual elimination of trade barriers remains a key task.

We believe it is necessary to intensify coordination between CIS and EAEU institutions in order to bring approaches closer in technical regulation, as well as sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

It would be advisable to develop a “road map” to eliminate excessive procedures and harmonize requirements.

To promptly address issues related to differences in technical regulation, certification, and customs administration, we propose establishing a joint “Uzbekistan–EAEU” coordinating group on tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Second. We are placing particular emphasis on the development of industrial cooperation.

It is necessary to jointly form a list of projects in mechanical engineering, energy, the agro-industrial complex, chemicals, and other sectors.

In connection with Uzbekistan’s accession to the EDB, it would be appropriate to jointly define the strategic directions of partnership and develop a “road map” covering priority infrastructure and “green” projects, as well as support for small and medium-sized businesses.

We are confident that the Bank can become not only a source of financing, but also a catalyst for attracting investment into integration projects.

Third. We intend to strengthen cooperation in the field of digital technologies.

We propose preparing a “road map” with the Eurasian Economic Commission to interconnect digital platforms, including e-commerce and digital labeling systems.

We also view the digitalization of customs administration and the transition to a “seamless” freight transportation model as priority tasks.

Fourth. We are interested in joining the EAEU’s technological platforms covering areas such as biomedicine, new materials, agrotechnologies, energy, and robotics.

Fifth. We are also ready to participate in the formation of an integrated information resource in the field of tourism.

Such an approach would make it possible to ensure interconnectivity of our countries’ tourism products.

Dear friends,

Uzbekistan supports further expansion of practical cooperation with the EAEU.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to wish success to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the esteemed Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, in connection with Kazakhstan assuming the chairmanship of the Union.

Once again, I sincerely congratulate all of you and our brotherly nations on the upcoming New Year, and wish you peace, well-being, and prosperity.

Thank you for your attention.