President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently participated in the Meeting of Heads of Central Asian States held in Dushanbe, where he delivered a comprehensive speech addressing various aspects of trade, economic cooperation, and regional development.
In his opening remarks, Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of fostering trade and economic ties among Central Asian countries. He proposed the establishment of a full-fledged free trade zone without exceptions or restrictions to boost trade turnover and enhance economic integration.
Furthermore, the President advocated for creating efficient trade and logistics chains, expanding cross-border trade and cooperation centers, and removing barriers that hinder mutual trade.
Recognizing the significance of digitalization, Mirziyoyev stressed the need for unified electronic platforms for customs administration, sanitary and phytosanitary control, certification of origin of goods, and launching a regional e-commerce platform.
Key sectors
Highlighting the potential for industrial cooperation, President Mirziyoyev identified key sectors such as exporting mineral fertilizers, polymers, finished metal products, assembly of agricultural machinery, and producing finished textile and food products to third countries.
He also emphasized the importance of developing a long-term strategy for industrial cooperation among the Central Asian nations. Addressing transportation challenges, Mirziyoyev highlighted the region’s high share of cargo transportation costs, which significantly affects the final cost of goods.
To tackle this issue, he proposed developing an agreement on transport and transit in Central Asia and establishing transport corridors with unified tariffs. The President also called for the liberalization of the transport services market, optimization of permitting procedures, and exploration of an integrated digital platform for international transport.
In the energy sector, Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the necessity of building new transmission highways for electricity and harnessing the substantial hydropower potential of Central Asia. Notably, he mentioned ongoing collaborative efforts on constructing a hydroelectric power plant on the Zarafshan River in Tajikistan and implementing the Kambarata HPP-1 project in Kyrgyzstan.
Finally, the President stressed the need to diversify energy sources, attract investments, and foster the utilization of renewable energy. These measures aim to enhance sustainability and promote the transition towards Central Asia’s greener and more resilient energy sector.
In conclusion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s proposals underscore the pivotal role of economic cooperation, digitalization, and sustainable energy in the future of Central Asia. Implementing a free trade zone, efficient trade and logistics chains, and digital platforms can significantly enhance trade turnover and economic integration in the region.
Addressing transportation challenges through unified tariffs and a liberalized transport market, coupled with a bold shift towards renewable energy and ‘green’ hydrogen production, signifies a forward-thinking approach to a greener, more resilient future.
Such initiatives not only work towards achieving sustainable development goals but also mark a promising trajectory for the prosperity and advancement of the Central Asian region as a whole.